The S.L. Devereaux Award for the Advancement of Women in the Engineering Profession recognizes engineers who, through their engineering and career achievements, have demonstrated noteworthy contributions to the advancement of women in the profession. This includes being recognized as a role model within the profession. 

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Over the course of her career, Patricia Duncan, P.Eng., has worked to increase the visibility and participation of women within engineering. Through her involvement with Engineers Nova Scotia, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and programs that highlight the achievements of women engineers, she has played an important role in strengthening professional networks and encouraging broader participation in engineering. 

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Over a 14-year career in public service, Patricia has held positions of increasing responsibility. She currently serves as Manager of Internal and Investigative Services with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. Her work in Fire Prevention provides program oversight of fire investigation, public education, and plans examination programs while ensuring compliance with provincial legislation and municipal bylaws. 

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Prior to joining Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Patricia served as Assistant Director of Construction and Maintenance for the Province of Nova Scotia, managing project activity for approximately 2,400 government assets and leading a team of 50 staff. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Senior Design (Energy) Engineer, administering the province's Energy Conservation Program and providing consultation on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable building systems. 

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Alongside her professional responsibilities, Patricia has devoted significant time to Engineers Nova Scotia and initiatives focused on the advancement of women in engineering. As Vice Chair and later Chair of the Women in Engineering Committee, she helped shape the committee's direction and expand its reach. Through networking events and other initiatives, the committee created opportunities for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. 

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Through her involvement with Spotlight on Local Innovation, Patricia has helped showcase the accomplishments of women engineers across Nova Scotia and highlight their work on projects that affect communities throughout the province. The initiative has provided a platform to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and increase awareness of the many roles women hold within engineering. By bringing these stories to a broader audience, the initiative has highlighted the breadth of talent and expertise represented across the profession. 

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Patricia has also supported efforts to improve access to engineering and technical careers. During her time with the Department of Public Works, she championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and supported enhancements to engineering co-operative education and skilled trades apprenticeship programs. These efforts expanded pathways into technical professions and encouraged broader participation across the industry. 

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Colleagues frequently describe Patricia as approachable and generous with her time. She is known for encouraging others to take on new challenges and for sharing insights gained through her own experience. Her influence extends beyond formal programs through the many professional relationships she has developed over the years. 

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Her service to the profession extends beyond advocacy initiatives. Since 2018, Patricia has served on Engineers Nova Scotia's Finance and Audit Committee, providing financial oversight on behalf of the Association's membership. She has also contributed to the broader engineering and sustainability sector through service with the Canada Green Building Council's Atlantic Chapter and involvement with ASHRAE Halifax. 

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Outside of engineering, Patricia continues her commitment to public service through Ground Search and Rescue. Her involvement reflects a longstanding dedication to community safety, volunteerism, and service. 

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The impact of Patricia's work can be seen in the initiatives she has helped strengthen, the professional relationships she has fostered, and the engineers who have benefited from greater recognition, encouragement, and engagement. Through her work with Engineers Nova Scotia, government, and the broader engineering community, she has contributed to a more welcoming and inclusive profession for current and future generations. 

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For her professional achievements, her commitment to advancing women in engineering, her leadership within Engineers Nova Scotia, and her lasting influence as a mentor, advocate, and role model, Patricia Duncan, P.Eng., receives the 2026 S.L. Devereaux Award for the Advancement of Women in the Engineering Profession.