Andrew Kasza is the first to acknowledge that water trickles through every part of his story.
Growing up near the shore of Lake Ontario and spending his youth as a competitive flatwater kayaker helped shape his appreciation and passion for water and the natural environment, he says.
“Being close to or on the water has always been where I am happiest,” says the 2012 chemical and bioengineering grad.
He says that made it easy to focus his career on water and clean energy issues.
“I wanted my career to line up with my passion in some way and for me that manifested itself in working as an engineer to solve water and energy-related challenges in ways that provide benefit to the environment around us.”
Today, he is vice-president of engineering and projects with Toronto-based Envest Corp. The company develops utility, recycling, and clean energy generation infrastructure projects throughout North America.
He leads a dynamic team of project managers and engineers who turn projects from an initial concept into real-life operating facilities.
“There is so much going on in the clean infrastructure space that every day I get to learn something new and am confronted with a new challenge or opportunity,” he says.
“I love that our team creates tangible positive change in the world around us by bringing these projects to life.”
Kasza, who juggled training with the Canadian men’s kayak team while earning his engineering degree and volunteering for various university clubs and programs, still gets out on the water as a surfer and a sailor.
His advice to students is to be bold and stay open to stepping out of your comfort zone, especially in the early stages of your career.
“This field is changing so rapidly with the greater focus on climate change and environmental issues globally that we will need great people from all different backgrounds to help solve the problems of the future,” he says.
“If you are passionate about something, let that guide you, and do not worry so much about which type of engineering degree you have. Put yourself out there and let people know what you truly care about – most times you will be surprised at how eager they are to support you in getting to where you want to be.”