UBC Okanagan researchers Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, Dr. Emily Murphy, Dr. Shahria Alam and Dr. Mohammad Arjmand have been recognized with prestigious Killam Awards for their groundbreaking contributions to psychology, digital humanities and engineering. Their research is shaping the future of trust, cultural memory, sustainable materials and nanotechnology.
Four UBC Okanagan researchers have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to research as part of UBC’s 2024 Faculty Research Awards. Announced today, the annual awards highlight research excellence across disciplines and include prestigious Killam Awards and Fellowships. UBC’s Faculty Research Awards Committee selected a total of 25 faculty members from UBC this year, with the four UBCO scholars earning recognition for their groundbreaking work in psychology, digital humanities and engineering.
Pursuing the Truth: Dr. Leanne ten Brinke
As a recipient of the Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship, an award designed to support and recognize exceptional early career researchers, Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, a psychologist in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, is focused on one of the most fundamental aspects of human interaction—trust. Her research delves into the paradox of trust, exploring why people often struggle to accurately determine whom to trust. By studying deception, nonverbal behaviour, psychopathy and the influence of power and leadership, her work has implications for everything from law enforcement to corporate leadership.
Preserving Cultural Memory: Dr. Emily Murphy
Dr. Emily Murphy, from the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, has been awarded the Killam Research Fellowship, which supports scholars of exceptional ability working on projects of broad significance and widespread interest. Dr. Murphy’s work explores how cultural memory is shaped through literature, digital media and the arts. Specializing in early 20th-century women’s literature and digital humanities, she examines the evolving relationship between historical and contemporary storytelling as well as the impact of digital platforms on modern reading habits.
Engineering a Sustainable Future: Dr. Shahria Alam and Dr. Mohammad Arjmand
Two UBC Okanagan engineering professors whose work is shaping the future of sustainable materials and advanced nanotechnology were awarded prizes, as well.
Dr. Shahria Alam, whose research focuses on reusing construction waste and understanding the environmental and health impacts of microplastics, received the Killam Research Prize, which recognizes outstanding research making a significant impact. His work aims to develop innovative engineering solutions that reduce environmental harm while improving the durability and resilience of infrastructure materials in the pursuit of more sustainable construction practices.
Dr. Mohammad Arjmand, an expert in nanomaterials, was awarded the Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research, one of UBC’s most prestigious research prizes. Named in honour of Professor Emeritus Charles A. McDowell, the award recognizes demonstrated excellence in pure or applied scientific research by a young faculty member. Dr. Arjmand works at the forefront of polymer nanocomposites—developing materials with enhanced electrical, magnetic and thermal properties—and also explores solutions to reduce plastic waste. His research has applications in electromagnetic shielding, wastewater treatment and corrosion resistance—key areas in the advancement of smart materials and sustainable engineering.
Each year the Faculty Research Awards help highlight the depth and breadth of research taking place at UBC. The four Okanagan researchers recognized today are making lasting impacts in their fields, pushing boundaries and reaffirming UBCO’s role in shaping the future of knowledge and innovation.
Congratulations to all the 2024 Faculty Research Award recipients for their achievements and contributions to research excellence.