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ECE Students Recipients of the Faculty of Applied Science Dean’s Graduate Awards
Jennie Chen
Hooman Vaseli
Congratulations to Jennie Chen and Hooman Vaseli, graduate students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, for receiving the Faculty of Applied Science Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award and the Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award!
Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award
The Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated leadership, innovation, personal initiative and service to the UBC community through active participation in extra-curricular activities.
As the Vice President Social of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Association (ECEGSA) during the 2022-2023 academic year, Jennie planned and hosted 18 events for ECE graduate students, collaborated with other student organizations, rebranded the ECEGSA logo and social media assets, created branded merchandise, handled communications with the student body and took part in creating the new ECE grad lounge. Learn more about Jennie Chen’s experience at ECE and as the VP Social of ECEGSA.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
It feels amazing to be recognized for our efforts! I think both of us took on our roles in ECEGSA because we wanted to better the graduate student experience for our peers in the department, and I do think we managed to accomplish that. However, throughout the year, we felt that perhaps members of the department did not really understand the effort and impact that ECEGSA had on the student body. Having this official recognition is definitely the icing on the cake.
What have you enjoyed the most during your time at ECE and with ECEGSA?
We’re both technically still in ECE for a while longer! One thing that ECEGSA allowed me to do is make a lot of connections and friends in the department. It’s also really heartwarming when fellow students would come to us after events and tell us that they had a great time.
Any advice for current ECE students?
Join the council, reach out to them to see if they need volunteers, or even just participate in their activities! I strongly believe in a good work-life balance and the importance of community. I promise you that these are the memories you will look back on in 10 years, and not all the times you’ve spent staring at your code.
Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award
The Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding student who takes an active role in institutional governance, service delivery, and community service work with the primary aim of making significant contributions to the graduate student culture and environment.
As the President of ECEGSA during the 2022-2023 academic year, Hooman led and managed the ECEGSA team through 30 events in the year, enhanced the team’s operational efficiency, revised the outdated ECEGSA constitution, negotiated for substantial cost savings, and advocated for the interest of ECE graduate students both on and off campus. Hear from Hooman Vaseli on his experience at ECE and as the President of ECEGSA during the 2022-2023 academic year.
How do you feel about receiving this award?
I am honoured to be given the Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award for my efforts as the ECEGSA President in 2022-23, which, of course, with the help of my fellow executive team members, has positively contributed to the social life and professional development of over 100 of the UBC ECE Graduate Students.
It feels great because it is an external recognition that what we worked on in ECEGSA has positively impacted the students, at least relative to the big campus community. It is definitely encouraging me, and hopefully others, to step up in the future as well.
What have you enjoyed the most during your time at ECE and with ECEGSA?
I enjoyed the feeling of having some sort of power (as president). However, with great power comes great responsibility, so I am happy I could use the power positively. Most importantly, I liked the friendships, memories, and connections I gained through this experience.
Any advice for current ECE students?
First, please don’t burn yourself out for just one aspect of grad school: the research part. Check out the awesome events hosted on campus by different organizations, especially ECEGSA. Connect more with others in your community and have fun! Second, consider stepping up for executive positions too, because not only does it help the community, but it also helps you grow a lot both on personal and professional levels. It provides many opportunities for practicing and improving on certain soft skills that you may not find anywhere else this easily. For example, I learned to make some difficult choices or be decisive when needed, and I learned to be a leader, something that will be in my toolbox for life.
