Fueled by the excitement of finishing their degree, a team of civil engineering students recently got a preview of their future careers at a national competition.
With the support of global engineering firm WSP, McMaster’s top-ranked civil engineering capstone project team represented the university at the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Capstone Design Competition. Recognizing top teams across the country, the competition invited students to present their projects and network with engineering professionals.
Through an investment of $75,000, WSP in Canada (WSP) is supporting the McMaster Engineering community by sponsoring experiential learning opportunities, such as this one, that help students build critical skills and prepare for their future careers.
“Our whole team worked tirelessly throughout the year on our capstone project, and so we were grateful for the opportunity to travel to the conference and showcase it on a larger scale in the student capstone competition,” said Carina Skoko on behalf of teammates Dylan Irwin, Matteo Lonardi, Olivia Wiper, Chris Reimer and Orin D’Souza.
“We loved getting to challenge ourselves with a comprehensive design that combined our specific passions with everything we’ve learned over the course of our degree.”
The team’s capstone project, advised by Civil Engineering Associate Professor Zoe Li, focused on Larch Commons — a mixed-use timber building in Vancouver, British Columbia — as an environmentally responsible and cost-effective solution to residential, apartment-style housing. Their superstructure was designed with increased resilience to seismic activity, which is of particular significance due to its location on Canada’s west coast.
The competition comes after a celebration event hosted on campus by WSP for all top civil capstone teams. McMaster students gathered with engineers, innovators and field professionals as a demonstration of WSP’s dedication to deepening relationships, fostering mentorship and supporting experiential learning.
Beyond the event, WSP has also significantly increased the number of McMaster Engineering students hired, demonstrating the positive impact of partnerships between academia and industry for developing career opportunities and fostering career growth. WSP’s support has also extended to McMaster Engineering student clubs and teams, including Heavy Construction, Institute of Transportation Engineers, North American Young Generation in Nuclear, and the National Society of Black Engineers. This funding ensures the groups can continue contributing to a fulsome undergraduate experience.
“At WSP, we recognize the value of making a positive impact on education and supporting the growth of future engineers,” said David Heska, Director of Building Sciences at WSP in Canada. “We are proud to contribute to meaningful experiences at McMaster that allow students to apply their learning, expand their connections and explore new possibilities and pathways for success.”