As part of Staff and Faculty Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Dec. 15, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane recognized a number of staff for their accomplishments and contributions, including the Department Manager of the Queen's Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department, Gabrielle ("Gabe") Whan.
"In normal times, Gabe’s leadership and her encouraging can-do attitude make the department a welcoming place for students, faculty, and staff," said one of the many statements on the nomination for the award. "Since the start of the pandemic, however, Gabe has demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and effort above and beyond her regular duties as the manager of a large and busy engineering department."
Among Whan's many accomplishments during the pandemic was the development and implementation of a QR code system to pre-screen and log access to Engineering buildings, with customization for specific buildings and incorporated self-assessment guidelines.
Her work on projects through the pandemic "required multiple changes and reapprovals to meet the ever-changing provincial restrictions for in-person instruction, including last-minute construction of walls in the lab space to satisfy revised occupancy limits," said another nomination statement.
"Congratulations to Gabrielle Whan for this award recognizing her amazing leadership and service," said Kevin Deluzio, Dean of Queen's Engineering.