UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
New Canada Research Chair appointed at UNBC

School of Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Wenbo Zheng has been named the Canada Research Chair in Geomechanics of Subsurface Systems for Energy and Hazard Resilience. 

Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Wenbo Zheng is the new Canada Research Chair in Geomechanics of Subsurface Systems for Energy and Hazard Resilience

"Decisions about energy, infrastructure and natural hazards in northern B.C. need to be grounded in good science," says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. "Dr. Zheng's research improves understanding of how the ground beneath us behaves, which helps communities, governments and industry make safer, better-informed choices." 

Zheng was appointed a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, awarded to exceptional emerging researchers acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead their field. The award provides $600,000 in funding over five years. 

"Each new Canada Research Chair adds to the depth of expertise within UNBC's research community," says UNBC Interim Vice-Provost, Research Dr. Sarah Gray. "Dr. Zheng's appointment highlights the quality of research happening in northern British Columbia. These appointments grow opportunities for research impact from our region and for students to learn from national leaders in their fields." 

UNBC also received $2.99 million from the Government of Canada's Research Support Fund to cover indirect costs of research, $70,000 from the Research Security program and $28,000 from the Incremental Project Grant. The three programs are part of the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat.  

Zheng studies how rocks deep underground deform, fracture and interact with fluids. Through laboratory experiments and advanced computer modelling, the research aims to improve predictions of how underground rock systems respond to engineering activities over time. The findings will improve the understanding and management of geological hazards and inform how subsurface energy systems are designed and operated. 

"Being named a Canada Research Chair is a tremendous honour and an important milestone in my academic career," says Zheng. "It also recognizes the collective efforts of UNBC students, collaborators and colleagues who have helped develop this research program at UNBC. I hope this appointment will further strengthen UNBC's research capacity in engineering and enhance its ability to address regional needs and contribute to the long-term development of northern British Columbia."