IBET named first runner-up for global diversity award

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

A unique fellowship program for Black and Indigenous scholars was recently named first runner-up by a global group of engineering deans for a coveted diversity award.

Dr. Tizazu Mekonnen receives the first-runner up prize at the gala.

The Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) PhD Project, led by Waterloo chemical engineering professor Dr. Tizazu Mekonnen, received first runner-up out of three shortlisted projects for the Global Engineering Deans Council’s (GEDC) Diversity Award.

Established to celebrate diversity in engineering education, the GEDC presents the award annually to a global initiative that inspires underrepresented students to pursue and succeed in engineering programs.

IBET addresses the urgent need to increase the number of Indigenous and Black academics in engineering and related fields.

With 30 fellows across 16 universities, IBET represents the single largest influx ever of Black and Indigenous PhD students into Canadian engineering and technology programs. Fellows receive $30,000 a year for four years while they pursue their doctoral degrees and specialized research in engineering, design and technology.

Waterloo Engineering recently hosted the inaugural IBET conference, a two-day event that brought together IBET Momentum fellows and faculty members from partner universities across Canada to meet in person, present research and chart next steps.

Go to Engineering for change for the full story on the conference.