2026 Excellence in Education Award Recipient

Dr. David Nobes, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Alberta, is reshaping how engineering students learn the tools and practices of modern design drawing. Through his innovations in curriculum development, assessment, and experiential learning, he has strengthened the connection between foundational engineering education and professional practice in Alberta.

Engineering drawings remains an important component of engineering education, yet traditional, paper-based instruction can limit how quickly students develop practical experience or receive feedback in large classes. Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Nobes moved the engineering graphics course into an immersive, industry-standard, computer-aided design (CAD) environment. His students now learn engineering communication using the same digital tools used by industry across Alberta, enabling earlier skill development and greater confidence.

Perhaps his most influential contribution is the development of AutoMARK, an automated assessment system that improves the quality and timeliness of feedback in large CAD classes. By directly comparing students’ electronic files to reference solutions, AutoMARK can assess submissions from more than 100 students within hours rather than the one to two weeks typically required to manually review each digital submission.

Feedback is delivered using industry-standard graphic markup, familiarizing students with professional review practices while providing consistent, unbiased assessment. Supported by Dr. Nobes’s custom, interactive tutorials, the system enables more advanced assignments and enhances the learning experience.

Dr. Nobes recently shared this work internationally, presenting at the International Conference on Engineering Design in July 2025 and bringing Alberta-based educational innovation to a global audience.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Nobes creates meaningful opportunities for experiential learning. He has mentored award-winning student design teams, advised interdisciplinary student groups, and supported more than 170 students through co-operative education placements, helping them translate technical knowledge into professional confidence and leadership.

“There is no greater professional satisfaction than hearing how my classes have shaped a student’s path in the engineering world,” says Dr. Nobes. “I am grateful for this award and for the opportunity to have a positive impact on the next generation of engineers.”

Through thoughtful curriculum design and sustained educational leadership, Dr. Nobes exemplifies excellence in engineering education and its lasting impact on Alberta’s future professionals.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

• Section Editor-in-Chief, Optics (2020–present)
• Winner, Great Supervisor Award, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Alberta (2018)
• Best Presentation Award, Okanagan Fluid Dynamics Meeting (2017)
• Member, APEGA (2007–present)
• Member, American Society of Engineering Education (2006–present)
• Member, Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering (2006–present)
• Member, The Institution of Engineers Australia (1994–1998)