APEGA Celebrates Engineering and Geoscience Excellence at 2026 Summit Awards Gala

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) celebrated engineering and geoscience excellence at the annual Summit Awards Gala on April 23, 2026, held at the Edmonton Convention Centre. This year, nine Summit Awards were handed out for exceptional innovation and dedication in the professions.

Greetings and congratulations were provided by the Hon. Myles McDougall, minister of advanced education, on behalf of the Alberta government and Councillor Jon Morgan on behalf of His Worship Andrew Knack, mayor of Edmonton. APEGA was also pleased to have the Hon. Martin Long, minister of infrastructure, the Hon. Muhammad Yaseen, professional engineer and associate minister of multiculturalism, and Christopher McPherson, deputy minister of jobs, economy, trade, and immigration attend the celebration.

The recipients of APEGA’s Summit Awards are professional engineers and professional geoscientists who have made outstanding contributions to the professions or to the community. Up to 10 awards are presented by APEGA each year, chosen from nominations sent in by fellow registrants, colleagues, students, and the public.

Congratulations to the 2026 Summit Award recipients

Akshay Saxena, P.Eng., PMP,
Calgary, Community Service Award

Sheliza Kassam, P.Eng.,
Edmonton, Early Accomplishment Award

Hassan Dehghanpour, PhD, P.Eng.,
Edmonton, Environment and Sustainability Award

David Nobes, BE(Mech), PhD, P.Eng.,
Edmonton, Excellence in Education Award

Apostolos Kantzas, PhD, P.Eng.,
Calgary, Frank Spragins Technical Award

Olugbenga Ibikunle, MBA, PhD, P.Eng.,
Edmonton, Outstanding Mentor Award

The Town of Sundre Wastewater Treatment Project,
Sundre, Project Achievement Award

Uttandaraman Sundararaj, PhD, P.Eng.,
Calgary, Research Excellence Award

Mariana Bento, PhD, P.Eng.,
Calgary, Women in Engineering and Geoscience Champion Award