Michael Justaston has been selected to succeed Brian Baetz as director of the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University.
His appointment will begin on July 1, 2026.
“Michael brings a clear vision for the W Booth School, grounded in excellence, synergy and engagement,” says Heather Sheardown, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. “We look forward to the impact of his leadership.”
Back to where it all started
Justason brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience at McMaster to the role.
Currently serving as the Program Chair for the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology Degree Completion program (DCP), Justason began his journey as a sessional lecturer for the BTech program in 2006, progressing to Program Chair in 2013 and Associate Professor in 2025.
But his ties to McMaster actually run deeper.
Justason graduated from McMaster University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Management. He later completed a Master of Engineering in Earthquake Engineering in 1995 and is currently pursuing his PhD in the same field. Justason also holds an Executive MBA from Western University (2010) and is a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.
Prior to his academic career, Justason amassed over two decades of industry experience with Bermingham Foundation Solutions (now Soletanche-Bachy), participating in major civil engineering projects across six continents and over 40 countries. He also served as President of the Pile Driving Contractors Association from 2014 until 2015.
Passionate about bridging theory and practice, Justason brings real-world insights into his teaching, preparing students to excel in sustainable infrastructure design and civil engineering innovation.
It’s an honour to be named the next Director of the W Booth School of Engineering Practice & Technology. I’d like to thank Brian Baetz for giving us tremendous momentum that I hope to carry forward as we navigate the changing landscape of engineering technology, management, and education.
Recognizing past leadership
In her announcement, Sheardown also thanked outgoing director Brian Baetz for his dedicated service to the W Booth School since 2020, highlighting how his passion for building sustainable, resilient communities has inspired faculty, staff and students alike.
“It has been an honour to lead the W Booth School,” says Baetz, who also served as chair of the Department of Civil Engineering for nine years and director of the Engineering and Society Program for a decade.
“This amazing School will be in very good hands with Mike at its helm. His years in industry, traveling all over the world to provide innovative solutions for geotechnical engineering projects, set the stage for a very successful return to McMaster, where he has become an award-winning classroom instructor and an innovator in the sphere of educational infrastructure.”
Justason echoed Sheardown’s praise for Baetz, noting his compassionate leadership and commitment to the School’s students.
“Throughout his tenure, Brian has demonstrated a genuine and sustained commitment to the people of our School – faculty, staff and students alike,” says Justason.
“Brian has always taken a personal interest in those around him and is well known for his remarkable ability to remember not only names but also the stories, families and interests that shape each individual beyond their academic or professional roles.”
About the W Booth School
Founded in 2005, the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology is named after the late Walter G. Booth, BEng ’62, MEng ’65, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who often credited McMaster as the only university willing to take a chance on him. Dedicated to student-centred experiential learning through flexible, adaptable and innovative programs and teaching using state-of-the-art resources and facilities, the School’s learning environment emphasizes hands-on education and transferable skills to produce engaged graduates ready to serve a diverse community and societal needs.
