UBC Faculty of Applied Science 2025 appointments
The UBC Faculty of Applied Science has appointed two new, and one returning, leaders. The appointment of Dr. Patrick Kirchen as Director of the Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC) joins the previously announced appointment of Dr. Thaisa Way as Director of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) and re-appointment of Dr. Bernard Laval as Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr. Kirchen and Dr. Laval began their terms effective July 1, 2025, and Dr. Way will begin on January 1, 2026.
These experts will provide strategic leadership for their respective areas in the coming years as the Faculty of Applied Science continues to advance research excellence and innovation.
Dr. Patrick Kirchen
Director, Clean Energy Research Centre
Dr. Kirchen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He holds the Rosenblatt Professorship in Marine Engineering and served as Associate Director of CERC from 2019 to 2025. Currently, he co-leads the Urban Freight Emission Program, a research team that collects and disseminates actionable data for decarbonization strategies.
Dr. Kirchen was recognized with the Killam Teaching Prize in 2019. With his experience leading multi-partner projects, Dr. Kirchen is well-positioned to lead CERC’s cross disciplinary research, training, development and demonstrations.
Dr. Thaïsa Way
Director, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Dr. Way will join SALA from Dumbarton Oaks, where she is Director of Garden and Landscape Studies and leads the Mellon funded “Democracy and Landscape: Race, Identity, and Difference Initiative.” She also teaches in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Graduate School of Design, Harvard University and is Professor Emerita at the College of Built Environments, University of Washington, Seattle.
Director, pro tem, Blair Satterfield will continue in his role until Dr. Way’s term begins in January 2026.
Dr. Bernard Laval
Head, Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Laval’s appointment as Head of the Department of Civil Engineering has been extended for a further five year term. Dr. Laval is a leading expert in environmental fluid mechanics, with a research focus on lakes, reservoirs, and climate change impacts on aquatic systems. In his previous term as Director, he played a key role in advancing the department’s strategic plan, ensuring it reflects the collective vision of faculty, staff, and students.
Other recent appointments within the Faculty of Applied Science, effective July 1, include:
- Andre Marziali, Director of the Engineering Physics program (reappointed for 3 years)
- John Steen, Director of the Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (reappointed for 5 years)
