Access to clean water is essential for the health of societies and the preservation of natural environments. As a fundamental human right, it demands well-engineered solutions to ensure this precious resource remains accessible and safeguarded for all.
First-year McMaster students in the Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering course collaborated in teams to explore potential materials for the development of a water filtration process. They received invaluable support from Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions, a global leader in water and wastewater treatment technologies.
The course, also known as ENGINEER 1P13, aims to expose students to various engineering disciplines, helping them understand each field’s unique contributions and guiding their specialization choices at the end of first year. The course also provides a meaningful understanding of how different engineering practices are integrated into everyday life.
One of the three projects in 1P13 required students to consider the mechanical performance of a filter along with its environmental impact. By incorporating elements of materials, chemical, civil and mechanical engineering, students were challenged to select the appropriate materials for their designs. This was accompanied by a sustainability assessment of how those materials would be produced and transported. This year, Veolia elevated the learning experience by providing the ENGINEER 1P13 cohort with membrane filtration systems used in their industry, offering students a real-world example of water management tools.
“The goal of this project was to ensure that our general first-year engineering gives a good representation of all the different disciplines,” says Bryan Lee, assistant professor in materials science and engineering and the project lead for the course.
“These projects show our students that becoming an engineer is about meaningfully serving our communities,” says Shelir Ebrahimi, assistant professor in chemical engineering and one of the course coordinators of ENGINEER 1P13. “Working hands-on with equipment from companies like Veolia helps translate classroom concepts into real-world applications.”
Veolia values training the next generation of McMaster Engineers, recognizing a shared goal with McMaster University to create impactful, sustainable solutions. They credit the university’s teaching and learning model for fostering a relationship that can drive meaningful change in sustainability.
“McMaster University is a leading institution in water treatment technology innovation and holds special significance for us as the birthplace of our UF membrane technology,” says Youngseck Hong, Principal Process Engineer at Veolia. “This industry-academic collaboration offers students valuable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice. We take pride in how our support, combined with McMaster’s innovative educational environment, nurtures talented individuals who will lead future water treatment technologies.”