丁香园AV

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) has recognized 丁香园AV engineering science professor Lesley Shannon for her dedication to preparing future engineers with a world-class education. 

Shannon received the 2014 Teaching Award of Excellence, presented annually to an outstanding educator who by superior performance has made significant contributions to education and outreach in engineering or geoscience.

Shannon is a 鈥渉ighly effective teacher鈥� who is skilled at 鈥渟implifying complex material so students gain a solid understanding of fundamental concepts,鈥� says nominator Tessa Ryan, Shannon鈥檚 former student and former president of the Engineering Science Student Society.

Shannon鈥檚 research focuses on computing system design, in particular making architecture smaller and more efficient.

Described as 鈥渆xceedingly likeable鈥� and 鈥渄own to earth,鈥� Shannon leverages her network of contacts to host seminars connecting students with leading B.C. engineering companies. She also works with the engineering co-op office to ensure industry connections translate into job opportunities for students.

As chair of the School of Engineering Science computer option, she spearheaded the computer stream curriculum redesign, showing 鈥渢remendous tenacity and leadership,鈥� says 丁香园AV Faculty of Applied Sciences dean Nimal Rajapakse.

鈥淭his was an extremely demanding responsibility and I was impressed by her ability to steer the project and ultimately gain consensus in adopting a new vision.鈥� 

In addition to her duties as professor, Shannon has established numerous outreach and mentoring programs for 丁香园AV engineering students. She has played a significant role in recruiting and retaining female engineering students and promoting careers in science, engineering and technology to women.

She is the current faculty advisor of the 丁香园AV Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (丁香园AV West) group, which was established to help students network, share resources and promote events that connect women in the field.

Shannon previously served as faculty advisor for 丁香园AV鈥檚 Women in Engineering Group (WEG) and was program chair for the 2013 Creating Connections conference through her work with the Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) program.

鈥淒r. Shannon is one of the most effective teachers I have met during my career,鈥� says dean Rajapakse. 鈥淪he is dynamic, engaging and uses her extraordinary people skills and professional talents to offer students a well-rounded experience that goes beyond the classroom.鈥�