Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). We’re proud to be a people-first organization, where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Through the Our People series on BCIT News, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.
Meet the Nuclear Medicine department, School of Health Sciences, a BCIT 2026 Employee Excellence recipient in the Outstanding Contribution – Department category.
What does it mean to your team to be a 2026 Employee Excellence Award recipient?
We are very honoured! When we initiated this project, our primary motivation was to help our students be successful. Earning recognition for our little project came as a total surprise and we all feel very proud. We are also excited to use the award money to help keep the food pantry going. We hope that others will be inspired to start their own “Grub Hub” too!
Looking back on the past year, what do you think contributed most to your team receiving this award?
Our tight-knit group of nuclear medicine instructors are a compassionate and dedicated team who care deeply about our students’ success. Our program is small; we only take 20 students/year, so we really get to know each of them during their 2 years with us. Our faculty is like a family, and we take care of our students like family too. So, when we noticed signs of food insecurity arising in the cohort, we decided to take action and started a food pantry: The Nuclear Medicine Grub Hub!
Are there any projects that your team is most proud of this year? In a nutshell, can you describe what this project is about?
We are most proud of creating the Nuclear Medicine “Grub Hub”, a free, accessible food pantry for our students. It consists of items regularly donated by our faculty, including fresh fruits and individually packaged items such as granola bars, soups/instant noodles, fruit cups, instant oatmeal, juice boxes, and other snacks/treats that students can grab on the go or take home with them. Our faculty makes a conscious effort to add a wide variety of foods, including gluten-free and nut-free options. The box is stored in a cupboard that all students use daily to store their belongings, so anyone can access it quickly and discreetly. The Grub Hub has had a tangible impact on our students, as evidenced by its regular and open use by many students. We have noticed an immediate impact as students frequently share how much it has helped reduce their stress and foster a sense of caring within our program.
How did collaboration—within your team or across departments—play a role in your success this year?
The food pantry is a collaborative effort! We all regularly keep an eye on the food usage and ensure everything is stocked/fresh. We hunt for deals while grocery shopping and buy a little extra to donate and help keep the pantry stocked. Many of us also enjoy baking and will bring in treats to share for any occasion.
What aspect of BCIT’s workplace culture has helped your team thrive in your role or project?
BCIT’s workplace culture emphasizes student-centered learning, equity, respect, and inclusion. Our team embodies these values by ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can readily access food in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
What’s next for your team – any goals, upcoming projects, or aspirations on the horizon?
Our team has been very busy implementing a major curriculum change to address student workload and burnout concerns. We have successfully reduced the number of credits in our program while simultaneously expanding content to cover the growing competencies in our rapidly advancing field. Our goal is to continue developing these new courses so they are relevant and engaging while delivering the requisite knowledge and skills to prepare students to become successful Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
