On April 21st the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) hosted its annual Summit Awards® to honour members whose research and dedication have led them to reach high levels of achievement. Lindisfarne Productions was asked to produce several profile videos featuring each award recipient.
Our Edmonton production team was able to sit down with these inspiring individuals and learn about the groundbreaking contributions that have been taking place in our province.
Ms. Lourdes Lugue P.Eng. received the Environment and Sustainability Award for her work with the City of Calgary. Her work has helped fuel research into the treatment and reuse of leachate collected from the city’s various landfill sites.
The success of the project will mean that treated leachate can be either reused or “discharg[ed] into the sewer without having to worry about its effect in the environment.” Ms. Lugue shared her excitement for the project and what it could mean for the future of the City of Calgary, its Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and the environment.
In his over 25 years as a Geophysicist and Engineer, Mr. Paul Bauman, P. Eng, P. Geoph, and recipient of the Community Service Award, has been supporting not only his local Calgary community, but our Global community. Among his many achievements his work with Geophysicists Without Borders has led him to Uganda and Kenya, where he helped implement safe water solutions for refugee camps supporting thousands of refugees.
“In Kenya, as in most countries, refugees… are not allowed to work in that country,” says Bauman, “so one of the few opportunities to get any kind of gainful employment is the working with the water and sanitation sectors within the camps.” Teaching classes of up to forty students, Bauman provided instruction on water exploration, drilling for water, installing and maintaining pumps. In doing so, he not only provided gainful employment, but safe water for villagers accustomed to walking 2-3 kilometres per day for fresh water.
“There’s a very critical role that science and geophysics can play to improving the water situation in these areas and it has many corollary effects rather than simply just keeping people alive,” says Mr. Bauman
Mr. Arden Spachynski understands the necessity of mentorship and support in the field of Engineering. As recipient of the Outstanding Mentor award for his work at ATCO Electric, Mr. Spachynski has influenced many of his peers and young engineers just entering the field.
“He’s so aware of what is needed to develop people’s talents.. and how to build a new generation for new engineers.” (Maha Ibrahim, P.Eng.)
Mr. Spachynski believes in the importance of understanding that Engineers must not only solve technical issues, but must ensure public safety and takes pride in knowing that he can be a positive influence on his fellow engineers.