Staff recognized with 2025 Dean’s Awards for Excellence

Three staff win 2025 Dean's Awards for Excellence.

Reflecting their outstanding contributions, Department Mechanical Engineering staff members Sisi Zhou, Sarah Clayton, and Ed Pitt-Brooke have been awarded 2025 Dean’s Staff Awards for Excellence.  The Faculty of Applied Science Awards recognize their commitment to service in the respective categories of Early Career Excellence, Inclusive Leadership, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigeneity.

The Dean’s Awards for Excellence recognize six staff members and three faculty members across APSC units across both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses, and the 2025 awardees are from Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, the School of Engineering (UBCO), Engineering Academic Services and the School of Community and Regional Planning. Congratulations to all the 2025 recipients!

Early Career Excellence

Sisi Zhou, Manager, Human Resources

“Sisi embodies everything the Early Career Excellence Award stands for: initiative, creativity, accountability, and a deep commitment to making our workplace better for everyone.”

While only joining the Department of Mechanical Engineering two years ago, Sisi Zhou has made an outsized impact. Her proactive approach to her work has led to improved HR processes, from staff training to teaching assistant hiring. She provides outstanding support for her department, and her positive attitude brings out the best in those around her.

Notably, Zhou makes mental health a priority in the workplace. She secured funding through the UBC Healthy Workplace Initiative Program for two educational mental health workshops for faculty and staff. She also established a mental health corner in the office that has become well-used and well-loved. Zhou’s leadership and support in the area have made a lasting impact with her colleagues.

Inclusive Leadership

Sarah Clayton, Manager, Student Services

“Sarah is exceptionally supportive and is dedicated to student, staff, and faculty well-being. She encourages her staff to follow her example so that we can all contribute to improving the student experience in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Science at UBC.”

A leader and mentor to those in her department, Sarah Clayton exemplifies the values of resilience, agility and creativity. She fosters a culture of collaboration and support among students, staff and faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. While navigating the challenges posed by the transition to Workday Student, Clayton maintained an atmosphere of teamwork and recognition. She consistently inspires staff to meet challenges with the friendliness and empathy she demonstrates.

Clayton is notably considerate of the experiences of everyone she works with, whether they are fellow staff members or brand-new transfer students. In particular, she and her team have created an environment for students from historically underrepresented groups to find a sense of belonging in the Mechanical Engineering community. Her leadership is instrumental in the department’s ability to offer a high-level of support and a positive experience for both faculty and staff.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigeneity

Amelia “Ed” Pitt-Brooke, Communications & Community Engagement Officer

“[Ed lives] their life leading by example, both at UBC and in their local communities, and their active engagement in our work has made Mech and Engineering a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive place to be.”

A strong commitment to advancing the values of EDI.I is evident in all aspects of Ed Pitt-Brooke’s work. In a position that requires interacting with a wide variety of communities, Pitt-Brooke is adept at ensuring they feel safe, supported and respected. They are a founding member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity committee, representing the staff at large.

Pitt-Brooke has made a particular contribution to how impact is measured in the department. They consistently seek ways to make events and processes more accessible, and they are not afraid to challenge existing barriers. In addition to their work at UBC, they are a co-founder of and Print Designer for Cor Flammae, a queer art chorus. In all their activities, Pitt-Brooke is a champion of EDI.I in the community.