Holiday Message from the SEE Acting Director

December 14, 2022
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As we head into the holiday season, I’m reflecting on another year here at the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE). While we look back at our milestones and accomplishments, I am also aware of the challenges and hardships experienced by our local and global community.

Over the last twelve months, we have been adapting to this “new normal,” a post-pandemic world that is grappling with more severe effects of climate change. Last year, atmospheric rivers led to destructive flooding in our province, and this year’s extended summer weather—while enjoyed by many—led to droughts and related impacts on our ecosystem. We also witnessed damages caused by climate change at a global scale, specifically the catastrophic flood in Pakistan. It is at times like these that I am reminded of how important it is for SEE to continue addressing these urgent concerns by collaborating with our industry partners and producing world-class solutions through our research.

I am truly grateful to everyone involved in our SEE community. Their hard work and dedication have made a considerable impression on our society. Our faculty, staff and students have worked tirelessly to publicize the importance of sustainable thinking and practices. Whether it is working to electrify the Stanley Park Train, developing innovative solutions to sustainability problems, or conducting cutting-edge research to become the next leaders in cleantech. Without their continuous devotion, we would not be able to make a difference and flourish.

This year, we have encountered many changes within SEE. Our inaugural director, Dr. Kevin Oldknow, has joined the university’s office of the provost and vice-president academic as a senior advisor. In addition, we celebrated with the first students to graduate from our BASc program. We expect our first full cohort to graduate in June. We also went through our first accreditation visit, another important milestone for our school, for which I’d like to sincerely thank all the people involved. As we head into 2023, we anticipate the official accreditation of our program and look forward to what is in store in the year ahead.

Best wishes for the holiday season and have a wonderful new year!
 

Mehran Ahmadi Ph.D., P.Eng.
Acting Director and Lecturer
School of Sustainable Energy Engineering
Simon Fraser University