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• Two Western professors inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering

Two Western professors inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering

Western Engineering professors Elizabeth Gillies and Abdallah Shami have been named among 55 new Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE). 

This recognition is awarded to individuals who have made noteworthy and exceptional efforts in promoting Canadian solutions to urgent challenges related to social, environmental, economic and technical issues. The Induction Ceremony is scheduled for June 20, 2023 in Victoria, British Columbia. 

Western Engineering Dean Ken Coley and CAE Fellow said, “This is a well-deserved honour for Professors Shami and Gillies. Professor Shami’s contributions to telecommunications and cyber-security have been integrated into the products of several major international companies. Likewise, Professor Gillies is making incredible advances in smart materials and biomaterials with important applications in drug delivery, regenerative medicine and agriculture.” 

“I am incredibly proud of our faculty members who continue to represent Western Engineering as a leader in Canada, solving some of today’s most pressing challenges.” 

Gillies, a chemical and biochemical engineering professor, is an international leader in the development of new designs to control the degradation of polymers. She developed a new class of polymers that unzip upon stimulation by light, heat, pH or redox change. These unique polymers are currently being applied to release drugs at specific sites in the body, as traceless inks for 3D printing and as replacements for conventional non-degradable plastics. 

She has mentored over 110 trainees and published 142 papers with more than 9,600 citations. She received an NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Fellowship, Canada Research Chair, membership in the RSC College and two Engineering Teaching Awards. 

Shami, an electrical and computer engineering professor, is a renowned global leader in the fields of telecommunications network planning, orchestration and optimization, as well as smart cyber-physical systems. 

Shami is also an outstanding academic leader and educator, serving as the acting associate dean (research) and led the development of the pioneering interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence System Engineering (AISE) program at Western Engineering. He has trained over 65 graduate students and has authored over 250 publications, which have received over 9,000 citations. He is a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada.  

The Canadian Academy of Engineering is the national institution through which individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to engineering in  Canada,  provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada and to Canadians. 

CAE president, Soheil Asgarpour commented: “Over the past 36 years, Fellows of the Academy have provided engineering leadership in the fields of education, infrastructure, innovation, energy, transportation, and many more. New Fellows have been selected for their outstanding contributions to engineering in Canada and around the world and for their service as role models in their fields and to their communities.”