"Awarded to an APEGGA member whose nomination is received within ten years of eligibility for professional registration in Canada. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in the early years of an engineer'', geologist's or geophysicist's professional career. The member will have shown outstanding work-related achievement and continued leadership in the profession and community." Dean Mullin, P.Eng.

Mr. Dean Mullin has been a Ph.D. student at the University of Alberta since 1998, completing his course work, comprehensive and candidacy exams, while working at BP-TEC Engineering Group. His research topic is "gusset plates as energy dissipaters in seismically loaded structures." The purpose of his research is to evaluate the ability of steel and concrete columns and beams in buildings to withstand earthquakes. This research has potential to improve retrofitted and new building safety in the event of earth tremors.

In his five years professional and technical service with BP-TEC, Dean has served as structural designer, lead structural engineer, welding engineer and codes and standards reviewer. He has developed a well-recognized expertise - welding engineering and steel building and construction design - serving a substantial number of clients in a timely and efficient manner. Dean has demonstrated the ability to "think out of the box" resulting in efficient-innovative solutions to a variety of structural challenges. He has also demonstrated exception supervisory abilities.

In addition to his research and professional and technical service, Dean has contributed to serve the profession and the community. In 1992 - 1993 he was editor of "The Bridge", the University of Alberta's student newspaper and was president of the Civil Engineering Graduate Students Association. He was also program director on the founding executive for the University of Alberta's Discover "E" Science Camp. This science and engineering camp has grown substantially since inception.

Mr. Mullin has been a long time volunteer with APEGGA's Outreach program. Through his six years of Outreach activities, Dean has helped to promote an interest in science and science careers, raise public awareness of the engineering, geology and geophysics professions and promote interest in science and math among young people. He participated in a variety of school events, primarily classroom presentations. In the words of his nominator, "He is an excellent ambassador for the engineering profession."

As for other service to the community, after coming to Edmonton in 1991, Dean volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. In 1994 - 1995 he was elected to the City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Land Use Planning Committee to co-ordinate the River Valley Parks Trail System Multi-Use program.

Dean remains politically active, has been a campaign worker for both provincial and federal elections as well as serving for three years on the executive of his federal riding.

This year, Dean applied engineering to community service, volunteering to design a church in Mexico.

Previous Recipients

2001 Janet A.W. Elliott, P.Eng., PhD
2000 Award not presented
1999 M. Mazher Ali, P.Eng.
1998 S.M. Kresta, P.Eng., PhD
1997 S.J. Stanley, P.Eng., PhD
1996 A. Garg, P.Eng.
1995 R.J. Marsden, P.Eng.
1994 M.E. Cannon, P.Eng., PhD
1993 C.G.M. Parenteau, P.Eng.
1992 N. Trovato, P.Eng.