Faculty of Applied Sciences staff, students and faculty submitted nominations for the Excellence awards to recognize outstanding performance in teaching, research and service. This year's winners, who exemplify engagement, passion and innovation, are below.

Teaching: Gary Wang, professor, Mechatronic Systems Engineering

Wang, a recipient of the 2014 SFU Teaching Excellence Award, is an outstanding teacher who consistently receives high student evaluations. Wang developed several new courses for the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE), including engineering design courses. He employs innovative teaching methods to motivate students and engages them by incorporating industrial applications in his courses. He has supervised a large number of students, and his past trainees enjoy successful careers in industry. Wang recently developed the curriculum for a professional graduate program in MSE. He is also a highly accomplished researcher. 

Research (senior faculty): Faisal Beg, professor, Engineering Science

Beg is an internationally renowned researcher in medical imaging. His work has been described as "ground breaking" and "seminal" by leading scholars in medical imaging. Beg has held a career investigator award from the Michael Smith Foundation, and received an NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement. Beg has attracted funding from a variety of sources; he is currently leading projects funded by Brain Canada and BC Alzheimer's Research Program. He is a very popular teacher and supervisor, and his past trainees enjoy successful careers in academia and industry. He has received the APEGBC Meritorious Achievement Award and the FAS Teaching Excellence Award. 

Research (early career): Erik Kjeang, associate professor, Mechatronic Systems Engineering

Kjeang has demonstrated outstanding performance in research since joining SFU in 2009. He currently holds the highest NSERC Discovery Grant in engineering within FAS and is a recipient of an NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement. His publication record related to fuel cell discoveries and clean energy is excellent, with many papers in leading international journals, one book and several book chapters. Kjeang has received over $10 million as principal investigator for research since joining SFU. In addition, industry has made over $10 million of in-kind contributions to his research projects. He has developed excellent relationships with industry in B.C. and around the world, leading some of SFU's clean energy research collaborations in India. He has supervised over 70 senior undergraduate and graduate-level students and his past trainees enjoy successful careers in industry and academia.   

Service (faculty): Uwe Glaesser, professor, Computing Science

Glaesser has been with Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) for more than 15 years and is currently serving as its dean pro tem. He has provided many years of service to various departments at SFU. He was director of the School of Computing Science for three years, associate director of IRMACS and associate dean of FAS. In his role as associate dean, Glaesser oversaw administration of graduate students and research, and provided leadership in launching professional master’s programs and graduate co-op programs. He has also taken a lead role in promoting interdisciplinary research within SFU. He actively collaborates with industry and has contributed to the development of industrial partnerships at the faculty level.

Service (staff): Karen Lee, external liaison and communications, Faculty of Applied Sciences

Lee started at Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) in 2010 and over a period of five years, she has shown tremendous success in connecting FAS with the external community. As external liaison and communications officer, she has worked tirelessly to promote FAS across B.C. schools, industry and community organizations. She has also helped FAS engage various levels of governments. Lee provided leadership to several communications initiatives in FAS, including the redesign of faculty and school websites, and development of recruitment marketing materials. She also contributed to several special projects such as development of the Sticks and Stars program with Surrey School District, industry and alumni networking events and international liaison with several countries. Her proactive style is appreciated across FAS and SFU. 

Teaching Assistant (Engineering Science): Michael Hegedus

Hegedus has more than five years of teaching assistant (TA) experience. He has been rated one of the best TAs in ENSC. His approachable style is widely admired by students. He has been very helpful in developing excellent laboratory manuals for undergraduate courses. Students appreciate his dedication to the job and desire to help. 

Teaching Assistant (Computing Science): Brian Booth  

Booth has worked as a teaching assistant (TA) for five courses. He received excellent ratings from students and instructors. He is widely recognized for his helpful style and for providing clear and timely feedback to students on the assignments. Booth has made significant changes to the laboratory instruction manuals of undergraduate courses.