Welcome to SBME Interfaces

In this episode, we interface with Andrew Szeri, UBC Provost & Vice-President Academic, on passion, the draw of UBC, the establishment of the SBME, UBC’s Academic Excellence Initiative, literature, leadership, and more.

All episodes available to watch on our YouTube Channel

Guest:

Andrew Szeri
UBC Provost & Vice-President Academic 

As Provost and Vice-President Academic for UBC Vancouver, Professor Szeri provides leadership for the university’s academic strategy, budgetary and planning processes. The role also includes overseeing UBC’s academic programs and support functions, faculty affairs, enrollment, sustainability and information technology.

Prior to this appointment, Professor Szeri served as Vice Provost for Strategic Academic and Facilities Planning, at the University of California at Berkeley, where he led academic program reviews of all departments and schools from 2014 to 2016. He also served seven years (2007-14) as Dean of the Graduate Division, with academic quality assurance and financial responsibilities extending to nearly 11,000 graduate students and 100+ degree programs campus-wide.

Professor Szeri was a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley, teaching in the areas of fluid mechanics and nonlinear dynamics. He has won several research awards, four teaching awards, and a recent award for excellence in student mentoring. He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Cornell University in 1987 and 1988.

Learn more about Professor Szeri here

Hosts:
Dr. Payam Zahedi
Strategic Planning & Operations Director, UBC School of Biomedical Engineering

Payam is a born problem solver and dot connector who believes that real impact only occurs when everyone is given the means to chase it. He's the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations at UBC's School of Biomedical Engineering and holds a BASc in Biomedical Engineering and an MSc and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, from the University of Toronto. He believes we are better together and is an advocate for equity and inclusivity. In his spare time, when he's not chasing his two sons around, he's experimenting in the kitchen, reading crime fiction and untangling the mechanisms of effective leadership.

Miguel Eichelberger
Communications & Engagement Manager, UBC School of Biomedical Engineering

Miguel is an unflinching optimist. He is a communicator and writer whose work has appeared in literary magazines and on stages around the world. His most recent publications include Harpur Palate, the Literary Review of Canada, Plainsongs Magazine, and Soliloquies Anthology. He believes in authenticity; in doing and saying what you actually believe, and he is an obsessive student of leadership from the biological and anthropological perspectives. You've likely heard him rant about it, and he's not sorry.