UBC Faculty of Applied Science 2026 appointments
The UBC Faculty of Applied Science has appointed two new, and one returning, leaders. Dr. Mark Martinez has been appointed as Head of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, while Dr. Casey Keulen is appointed Program Director for Manufacturing Engineering and Dr. Reza Vaziri is re-appointed as Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs effective July 1, 2026.
These individuals bring a wealth of expertise, a passion for success and the strategic vision to help the Faculty of Applied Science advance our collective goals.
Dr. Mark Martinez
Appointed
Head, UBC Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dr. Martinez has been appointed for a four-year term effective July 1, 2026.
As a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC, Dr. Martinez is a recognized scholar whose research focuses on fluid mechanics, interfacial phenomena, complex fluids and advanced manufacturing processes, with particular emphasis on sustainable materials and paper manufacturing. He previously served in several key positions, including as Associate Head and Curriculum Chair within the Chemical and Biological Engineering as well as Director of the Pulp and Paper Centre, Director of the Masters of Engineering Leadership in Green Bioproducts and Director of the Advanced Papermaking Initiative.
Dr. Martinez brings extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the Department to this role.
Dr. Casey Keulen
Appointed
Program Director, UBC Manufacturing Engineering
Dr. Keulen has been appointed for a three-year term effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Keulen is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Materials Engineering. He has been an integral part of the Manufacturing Engineering undergraduate program since its launch in September 2019 and is currently the Academic Advisor and chair of the Curriculum Committee. Through his extensive engagement with the program over the past seven years, Dr. Keulen has developed the knowledge, experience and perspective necessary to provide strong leadership in the years ahead.
Dr. Reza Vaziri
Reappointed
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs, UBC Faculty of Applied Science
Dr. Vaziri has been reappointed for a one-year term effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Reza Vaziri will remain in his role as Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs, for an additional one-year term. Since joining the Dean’s Office in July 2023, Dr. Vaziri has provided strategic advice and guidance to the Dean’s Office, Department Heads and School Directors on a broad range of complex faculty matters. His collaborative approach, sound judgement and deep understanding of the Faculty Collective Agreement, University policies and academic practices have been invaluable. He will continue to help advance Applied Science priorities and support the success of our faculty members in the year ahead.
