The Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) held its fourth annual Awards of Excellence reception. Dean Nimal Rajapakse acknowledged the outstanding achievements of seven FAS faculty, staff and students in the past year. Other notable achievements by faculty members, as well as student recipients of 2013 NSERC awards were also celebrated.

The 2013 Awards of Excellence winners are as follows:

Lesley Shannon (Engineering Science) – Superior Performance in Teaching

Lesley was nominated by the Engineering Science Student Society (ESSS). She joined Engineering Science at SFU in 2006 and is a dedicated teacher who continuously illustrates a concern for her students. She founded the SFU Reconfigurable Computing Lab and is also Head of the Computer Engineering Option. Her efforts in leading the School’s adoption of Outcome-Based Learning for accreditation of Engineering Science received high praise from the accreditation reviewers. Lesley has been a strong mentor to female students and served as Faculty Advisor of Women in Engineering Group (WEG) from 2006-2012.

Ke Wang (Computing Science) – Superior Performance in Research by a Senior Faculty Member

Ke has an outstanding publication record in databases and data mining research. He recently co-authored a textbook on privacy preserving data mining and data publishing. According to Microsoft Academic Search, Ke is ranked among the top 25 researchers in the world in data mining.  He has a strong research funding record, including an NSERC Discovery Grant and two NSERC Collaborative Research and Development grants with BC Hydro. His research with BC Hydro has helped the development of sustainable toxic waste management practices. Ke has also served on the editorial boards of numerous journals and as Program Co-Chair of several prestigious conferences.

Carlo Menon (Engineering Science) – Superior Performance in Research by an Early Career Faculty Member

Carlo joined Engineering Science in 2007 and became associate professor in 2012. He is a highly productive young scholar, and has the rare honour of receiving both a Michael Smith Career Investigator Award and a CIHR New Investigator Award. He has eleven patents and numerous grants, and his work on bio-robotics has attracted widespread attention in the popular media.

Rob Cameron (Computing Science) – Superior Performance in Service (Faculty)

Rob has been with SFU for more than 30 years and made numerous contributions to the Faculty as Associate Dean and Acting Director of Computing Science. Rob has an outstanding knowledge of the university admission system, and academic program/curriculum approval process. His crucial contributions to the revision of the new university budget model have also helped the strategic interests of the Faculty. He is currently leading the Faculty’s effort to develop online administrative processes to create higher efficiency.  

Chingtai Wong (Computing Science) – Superior Performance in Service (Staff)

Chingtai has been with FAS since 1999 and serves as Operations Manager for the Computing Science Technical Support Team. Chingtai provides knowledgeable and courteous technical assistance to faculty, staff and students, and leadership to the technical support group. His support as volunteer photographer at FAS and university-wide social events is always appreciated, and his cheerful attitude, dedication and hard work contribute greatly to the Faculty and community.

Behrad Kajbafzadeh – Superior Performance in Teaching Assistance (Engineering Science)

Behrad’s nomination was strongly endorsed by the Engineering Science Student Society. His ability to explain material clearly and effectively is greatly appreciated by students. Furthermore, his easy-going nature and extremely helpful approach make him a popular and well-liked TA.   

Ricardo Jahns Gigglberger – Superior Performance in Teaching Assistance (Computing Science)

Ricardo’s performance as a TA is exemplary. The instructor and students alike value his timely and professional approach. Students are pleased with his caring attitude and passion for teaching, as well as his ability to mark and provide feedback on assignment quickly and effectively.

Pease join the Faculty of Applied Sciences in congratulating these well-deserved recipients and wishing them continued success.