Zhen Lei takes home the Innovation in Research and Academia Award
Author: OCRC
Posted on Nov 17, 2022
Category: Awards
Zhen Lei, OSCO research chair, OCRC scientific director and assistant professor at UNB’s department of civil engineering, took home the Innovation in Research and Academia award at the inaugural InnovateNB awards.
Zhen’s contribution to research on issues that have dominated the construction sector for years, including stagnant productivity, carbon emissions, and material waste, along with his use of Building Information and Modelling (BIM), Virtual Design and Construction, Digital Twin and simulation modelling to increase productivity, safety and quality in the construction sector contributed to his win.
One of his recent research topics includes “Modularized construction analysis of compact heat exchanger trains” with Malta Inc. to investigate, assess and simulate the opportunities in the modularization of their long-duration energy storage system. Another great example of his innovation is “Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) with Stick-Built Construction to Implement Digital Construction: A Canadian General Contractor’s Perspective,” which he worked on in collaboration with Bird Construction.
Zhen was nominated among innovators Sid AhmedSelouani, Université de Moncton, and the Centre for Applied Research in Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing, New Brunswick Community College. The awards honoured such innovative pioneers from all over New Brunswick who have broken new ground, opened new doors, attracted new investment, produced new jobs, and put the province on the map.
Zhen was presented the award by the McKenna Institute in the presence of Premiere Blaine Higgs, Honourable Minister Arlene Dunn, Mayor of Saint John, Donna Reardon, and many other delegates and innovators, who made this award ceremony so special.
Full list of winners and nominees.