b"BCBEC FOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILEBCBECFOUNDATION AWARDS PROFILE:Michelle ChristophersonBy Emily WeidenbacherR ecipient of the BCIT Architectural and BuildingBE: How has BCBEC supported your career?Engineering Technology award, Michelle Chris- MC: I found that the ongoing education that BCBEC provided topherson has cultivated an admirable career inwas valuable early on in my career. I've attended several of the the building science industry. Now working as aBCBEC luncheons and learned a lot from them. I also found it sustainability advisor at WSP, Michelle has theextremely helpful to grow my network within the industry and opportunity to do the work she loves and sharemeet other colleagues and industry representatives. what shes learned with industry newcomers.BE: What is your favorite part about working for WSP?BCBEC Elements: What first drew you to building science?MC: Working for a large and diverse engineering firm like WSP Michelle Christopherson: Im a science nerd at heart, so Ihas given me a lot of opportunities to evolve my career over time. really enjoyed the real-world application of physics and otherDuring my first four years at WSP I was part of the Building sciences. I grew up on a farm building things and helping toSciences team, and these past four years I have been focused on renovate our house. It encouraged me to think about howthe climate change, resilience and sustainability side of the built buildings go together. Building science was a great way for meenvironment. Now I'm able to apply my building science knowl-to combine my interests. edge to focus on the embodied carbon emissions from buildings (including building envelopes) and infrastructure assets. I really BE: What did it mean, personally, for you to receive enjoy this work because I get to translate climate change mitiga-this award? tion, which is often seen as abstract and intangible, into practical actions for project owners, designers and contractors.MC: It was a while ago when I [received the award], but it meant a lot to me to receive recognition for my hard workBE: Do you have any advice for people looking to start a and dedication. I know my time at BCIT was one of the morecareer in building science?exhausting yet rewarding times of my life. And of course, aMC: I always say: Be curious and ask a lot of questions. I think bit of a financial boost was always appreciated when I was justit is tremendously valuable to connect one-on-one with folks in starting out. the industry. Expand your network and ask to share virtual coffee with someone in a role you might be interested in one day. I BE: How did earning this award affect your career? always thought it would be an inconvenience, but now that I'm MC: For the most part, I was just starting out without any realon the other side of that virtual coffee table, I really enjoy those experience in the field, so it was nice to have something onconversations. I'm very happy to share what I've learned so far my resume that I could point to that demonstrated my workand some of the real-world experience that you just don't get ethic. I don't know with certainty that it helped me get my firstuntil you try a role.job right out of school, but it certainly boosted my confidenceFor more information on BCBEC Foundation awards, nomination going into interviews. criteria and how to apply, visit bcbec.com/bcbec-foundation/awards.SPRING/SUMMER 2023 21"