UBC Okanagan's Dr. Qian Chen-demonstrating how augmented reality (AR) helmets and glasses are influencing the construction industry-will be on hand for the School of Engineering's open house.
What: UBC Okanagan Engineering Open House
Where: Engineering, Management and Education Building, 1137 Alumni Avenue, UBC Okanagan
When: October 24, 10 am to 2 pm
How can we build communities that withstand a changing climate? What will the next breakthroughs in batteries, solar power and artificial intelligence make possible? And where could an engineering degree take you?
These are some of the questions future students and their families can explore at UBC Okanagan's Engineering Open House on October 24 from 10 am to 2 pm.
"Choosing where to study is a big decision for students and their families, and so we're always eager to help students get informed and experience what engineering feels like at UBC Okanagan," says Dr. Will Hughes, Director of the School of Engineering. "Here, students learn by doing. They're mentored by professors who care about their growth, and they come away prepared to make a positive impact, whether they choose to stay in local industry or work internationally after graduation."
Hosted by the School of Engineering, the open house offers a chance to meet students, professors and advisors. It's also a chance to learn about life on campus and explore different programs, including co-op programs, design teams and undergraduate research opportunities.
Visitors can also take a campus tour and walk through a variety of engineering laboratories.
Dr. Qian Chen, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, is one of many faculty members whom future students will have a chance to meet.
Her work uses AI to build 3D models of buildings , lets engineers explore those models in mixed reality and feeds those data into robotic prefabrication of building components.
"Engineering gives you the tools to tackle challenges that affect people every day," Dr. Chen says. "Imagine pointing a scanner at a room and, a short time later, having a detailed 3D version of that space on your computer.
"We can use that digital reconstruction to plan renovations, check whether prefabricated components will actually fit and compare the finished work with the original design. With mixed reality, we can even bring the digital model back into the real space and see both together. This helps us build faster, safer and more affordable housing."
Students stepping into engineering at UBC Okanagan can pursue programs in computer, civil, electrical or mechanical engineering. A common first year gives them a strong overall foundation in engineering principles before they pick their program.
The possibilities extend well beyond any one job title. BC's 2025 Labour Market Outlook projects 118,900 job openings between 2025 and 2035 in natural and applied sciences-which includes engineers, engineering technologists and related occupations.
UBC Engineering and UBC Okanagan at a glance
- Engineering rankings: UBC Engineering ranks second in Canada and 29th globally for engineering and technology in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by subject. These are UBC Engineering rankings across both campuses.
- Learning community: UBC Okanagan offers a close-knit learning community with the opportunities of a globally recognized university.
- Campus growth: UBC Okanagan expects more than 3,300 new undergraduate students in 2026 and a total student population exceeding 12,000.
- World-class research: UBC Okanagan is reporting its highest levels of research funding in its 20-year history. In 2025/26, the School of Engineering generated $24.926 million in research funding.
- Applied Science Co-op: Undergraduate students in the UBC Applied Science Co-op Program gain valuable work-integrated learning experiences that support their personal and professional growth. School of Engineering students completed approximately 450 co-op work terms in 2024/25.
- Design teams and clubs: In 2025/26, more than 600 students participated in local, national and international design competitions, while others launched new clubs or societies to build skills and connections.
Learn more about the UBC Engineering Open House at: engineering.ok.ubc.ca/attend-the-on-campus-ubc-engineering-open-house-to-discover-your-future .
