Broadening Horizons: Reflections of an Engineer in Academia

Michael Isaacson is Professor of Civil Engineering at UBC. After completing his degrees at Cambridge, he was appointed to a postdoctoral fellowship in Honolulu undertaking tsunami research, and he then joined UBC in 1976. He has since been active in education, research, engineering practice, university administration and professional service. Michael will reflect on these five aspects of his career.

Michael's research and engineering practice contributions have been in coastal and ocean engineering, relating, for example, to ocean waves, the prediction of water levels (including tsunamis and sea level rise), the design of offshore drilling rigs, and coastal studies of beaches and marinas. Michael's university service has included an eleven-year term as Dean of Applied Science, and participation in the establishment of UBC Okanagan.

The speaker will reflect on his academic and professional career, and recount selected activities and experiences across his multiple roles. He will discuss what has inspired him at different stages of his career, and share observations on the shifting academic and professional environment.