Celebrating excellence in the Faculty of Applied Sciences
This week, SFU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) celebrated five exceptional individuals for their contribution to research and service.
The FAS Awards of Excellence has been a part of the Faculty’s tradition since 2010, and the 2016 awards were handed out on Tuesday to the following faculty and staff members who demonstrated superior performance in five categories:
Mehrdad Moallem – Excellence in Research (Senior Faculty)
Moallem is a professor and the chair of the graduate program committee in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering. He is an internationally recognized researcher in the field of mechatronic systems, industrial electronics and control applications, with an outstanding publication record. A well-regarded mentor in the School, Moallem has graduated an impressive number of master’s and PhD students and supervised postdoctoral fellows. Since joining SFU in 2007, Moallem has played an integral role in launching the mechatronics program and developing the curriculum.
Leonid Chindelevitch – Excellence in Research (Early Career Faculty)
Chindelevitch is a professor in the School of Computing Science who uses mathematical modelling and big data to understand and predict the development of infectious diseases. He joined SFU in 2015 after completing his PhD at MIT and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health, where he focused on modelling TB-HIV epidemics in South Africa. He has since received several significant funding awards, as well as the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship in 2016. In March 2017, Chindelevitch was one of 12 Canadian researchers recognized by Universities Canada as the country’s best and brightest scientists.
Diana Cukierman – Excellence in Teaching
Cukierman is a seasoned lecturer in the School of Computing Science who is passionate about teaching and learning. She is the co-founder and coordinator of the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP), which has helped over 5000 first-year computing and engineering science students gain control of their learning through pro-active reflection and learning strategy workshops. In 2014, the AEP was recognized as the SFU Champion of a Healthy Campus Community, and has served as a model for similar programs in Uruguay and Argentina.
Edward Park – Excellence in Service (Faculty)
Park is a professor in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, although he has taken on more than just that role over the years. He is recognized for his exceptional service in several key administrative areas at SFU, notably as associate dean for the Faculty of Applied Sciences (2014-2016), acting School Director (2013) and chair of the graduate program committee for the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (2009-2013). Park tirelessly gives back to both the Faculty and University having served in over 12 School Committees, four Faculty Committees, four University Committees and a number of ad-hoc Committees. He exemplifies both superior service and ambassadorship for the Faculty on a daily basis.
Brenda Dallaway – Excellence in Service (Staff)
Dallaway has taken the role of secretary to the dean to a whole new level and plays an integral part in helping the team advance the Faculty’s vision. A part of the SFU community since 1994, Dallaway joined the Faculty of Applied Sciences in 2010. She supports and manages a growing number of complex initiatives and effortlessly manoeuvres between projects related to government policy, teaching, research and advancement. A source of knowledge and expertise, Dallaway is consistently relied upon for her thoughtful, thorough and policy mindful advice, guidance, and impressive ability to connect the dots. Her excellent organizational skills, unwavering commitment and consistent willingness to solve challenges ensure smooth operations in the Faculty and beyond.