McMaster University’s Department of Civil Engineering was proudly represented at the annual Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) conference, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the end of May.
Faculty, students and alumni from the department received six awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions in areas such as innovation, environmental leadership, equity and inclusion and academic achievement in design.
Meet the honourees and explore the impactful work that earned them national recognition below.
Zoe Li won the E. Whitman Wright Award for innovation in IT
Zoe Li, Associate Professor at McMaster’s Department of Civil Engineering, received the E. Whitman Wright Award for her work in environmental risk analysis and management. Her research leverages advanced machine learning and probabilistic techniques to develop robust tools for water and environmental modeling. Her contributions have significantly influenced risk assessment practices in Canada and internationally.
Susan Tighe and research team received the Stephen G. Revay Award for Innovative Pavement Research
A team including McMaster University Civil Engineering professor, incoming McMaster University President and University of Waterloo adjunct professor Susan Tighe, and University of Waterloo researchers Abimbola Grace Oyeyi, Hanaa Khaleel Alwan Al-Bayat and Frank Mi-Way Ni received the Stephen G. Revay Award for their paper on lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) in pavement design. Their research demonstrated that Lightweight Cellular Concrete subbases significantly enhance pavement durability and performance in cold climates.
Student team earned second place in National Capstone Competition
A McMaster student team including graduating McMaster Civil Engineering students Megan Coulson, Keyra Kam, Alyssa De Bono, Julianna De Luca, Nikola Gligic and Paris Liu, secured second place in the national capstone competition. Their project, Confederation Beach Stage, envisions a transformative outdoor entertainment venue that revitalizes Confederation Beach Park.
McMaster’s Civil Engineering Society and CSCE chapter wins third place
The McMaster Civil Engineering Society is a student-led organization committed to fostering a strong sense of community within the Civil Engineering Department. Our mission is to connect students, promote collaboration, and showcase the wide range of clubs, teams, and opportunities available within the department.
Each year, the CSCE recognizes outstanding student chapters through its Student Chapter Awards. Winners are selected based on the quality and impact of their Annual Report submissions, which are evaluated from over 30 participating institutions across the country.
Gordon Huang honoured with Albert E. Berry Medal
Gordon Huang, a McMaster PhD alumnus and University Distinguished Professor at the University of Regina, was awarded the Albert E. Berry Medal for his pioneering work in environmental engineering. With over 1,300 journal publications and a global reputation in environmental risk management, Huang’s research has shaped policy and practice across sectors. He ranks among the top environmental engineers worldwide.
Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng named CSCE Fellow
Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng, a McMaster graduate and professor at the University of Regina, was named a Fellow of the CSCE. A global leader in solid waste management, Ng has contributed extensively to environmental policy and education. His accolades include the McMaster Engineering Top 150 Alumni and numerous awards for sustainability and teaching excellence.