News

WEFTEC 2025 Winning Student Team present Design to Coquitlam City Council

Students designed a stormwater management solution involving green infrastructure in partnership with Coquitlam and BCWWA.

UBC Researchers Discover Microbes Turning Food Waste into Energy

The discovery could help cities turn more food waste into clean energy and reduce landfill emissions.

UBC Environmental Engineering Students Win First Place at International WEFTEC Design Competition

A team of five Environmental Engineering students from UBC has won first place at the 2025 Student Design Competition during the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago, Illinois. Team StormWise Innovations, made up of Jaden Gauw, Jaden Mah, Kajal Mishra, Cindy Chow and Megan Slot, represented both The University of British […]

Fraser Estuary Sediment Pilot Project Expands in Fall 2025 

This pilot project tests whether natural flood barriers can be the solution for protecting Richmond residents from flood risk 

B.C.’s e-bike rebates boost affordability, health and sustainable mobility

New UBC study finds B.C.’s income-based e-bike rebate program improved access, encouraged active travel and reduced car use.

UBC Civil Engineering Graduate Students Receive Wall Research Awards

Three UBC Civil Engineering students received 2025 Wall Awards for research in flood forecasting, sustainable stormwater management, and 3D concrete printing.

UBC Civil Engineering welcomes Dr. Riwaj Dhakal as Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Riwaj (Ribu) Dhakal has joined the Department of Civil Engineering as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Dhakal brings expertise in Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering, with a research focus on soil liquefaction, seismic foundation behavior, and advanced site characterization. He received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering with first-class honours from […]

In Memoriam: Dr. William Caselton

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William Caselton, Associate Professor Emeritus in Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Caselton was a respected member of the Department, recognized for his expertise in hydrotechnical engineering. His research advanced the application of optimization techniques and statistics in water resources […]

UBC Civil Engineering Researchers Awarded Federal Funding for Projects Addressing Critical Infrastructure and Climate Priorities

On July 9, 2025, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) announced the results of its 2025 Discovery Grant competition. As part of a broader $9.7 million investment in UBC Applied Science research, five Civil Engineering faculty members received a combined total of over $1.3 million in funding. The awarded projects are: […]

UBC Civil Engineering welcomes Dr. Nimish Pujara as Associate Professor in Coastal Transport Research

His research connects wave dynamics to pollution, ecosystems, and resilience.

UBC-led international team proposes global framework to tackle toxic tire pollution crisis

Researchers call for urgent action on unregulated tire chemicals linked to fish deaths and potential human health risks

Advancing Renewable Energy Through Microbial Research

Dr. Ryan Ziels is collaborating with FortisBC on a research project focused on improving renewable natural gas (RNG) production from organic waste

Exploring Risk at the Intersection of Civil and Nuclear

“Having end goals in mind made my decisions more intentional, shaping the courses I chose, the skills I focused on, and the opportunities I pursued” Simon Willcox Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science Grad year: 2025 Program: Civil Engineering Campus: Vancouver Why did you choose Civil Engineering, and what drew you to risk analysis I initially […]

UBC Civil Engineering Staff Member Publishes Illustrated History of Vancouver’s Chinatown

What started as a quiet moment of reflection during the pandemic has become a powerful tribute to one of Vancouver’s most storied neighbourhoods. Donna Seto, Manager of Research and Strategic Initiatives in UBC Civil Engineering, has released Chinatown Vancouver: An Illustrated History, a 260-page book that brings together art, memory, and historical research to tell […]

UBC Civil Engineering Researchers Lead Clusters Advancing Infrastructure Innovation and Disaster Resilience

Dr. Tony Yang and Dr. Carlos Molina Hutt lead GCRC-funded clusters on resilience and infrastructure.

Designing a Human-Centered Intersection for UBC’s West Gateway

Sam Abasalti, Eric Jung, Jessi Nguyen, Khoa Nguyen, Jerry Sethi, Julia Sydorova Degree: Bachelor of Applied Sciene Program: Civil Engineering Campus: Vancouver Our Project The University of British Columbia is located within a forested area, accessible by remnants of 1960s–70s double-lane highways. One of these, Chancellor Boulevard, connects to East Mall and Northwest Marine Drive. As […]

Exploring Wind Energy and Earthquake Resilience: UBC Civil Engineering Joins Geering Up for a Day of Hands-On Learning

Dr. Mona Amer led a Geering Up event on wind energy and earthquake resilience with turbine design and shake table tests.

Building Climate-Relevant Skills in Civil Engineering Classrooms

Dr. Tamara Etmannski leads a UBC project integrating carbon literacy into engineering courses to prepare students for climate challenges.

Where Civil Engineering Meets Public Health: A Closer Look at Tire Wear Pollution

This Q&A features one of the winners of the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, a university-wide challenge that invites graduate students to present their research in just three minutes—using only one slide and no jargon. The goal? To make complex research accessible, engaging, and inspiring to a broad audience. In this spotlight, you’ll hear […]

From Reaction to Prevention: Reimagining Road Safety Through Data

This Q&A features one of the winners of the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, a university-wide challenge that asks graduate students to present their complex research in just three minutes—using only one slide and no jargon. The goal? To make research accessible, engaging, and inspiring to a broad audience. In this spotlight, you’ll hear […]

UBC Civil Engineering Leads $8.27M National Initiative to Tackle Housing Supply Through Sustainable Modular Construction

UBC Civil Engineering researchers are shaping a more sustainable, climate-resilient future for Canada

UBC Research Tackles Toxic Tire Chemical to Protect Aquatic Life

A research initiative led by Dr. Rachel Scholes from UBC Civil Engineering and funded by the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) is addressing the environmental impact of 6PPDQ, a toxic chemical produced from tire wear that poses a significant threat to sensitive aquatic species. To better understand the spread and concentration of […]

Dr. Bernard Laval Reappointed Department Head

We are pleased to announce his appointment has been extended for a new term, beginning July 1, 2025.

UBC Civil Engineering’s Insights on the 4.7-magnitude Earthquake that Shook Southern B.C

The event has underscored the critical need for seismic preparedness in the region.

In Memoriam: Dr. Donald Leigh Anderson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Donald Leigh Anderson. He passed peacefully on Friday, January 17th, surrounded by loved ones in Vancouver, British Columbia. Don was born on June 20, 1934, in the small community of Scandia, Alberta. Don received his BSc degree in Civil Engineering at the University […]

UBC Civil Welcomes Dr. Bavisha Kalyan as Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering for Thriving and Equitable Communities

Dr. Kalyan focuses on environmental engineering and community-driven research

UBC Civil Insights on Vancouver Seismic Risk Report

A new report from the City of Vancouver and Natural Resources Canada has outlined how a 7.2-magnitude earthquake could impact Vancouver, and it highlights six neighborhoods in high-risk areas. In the report, Vancouver’s West End, Yaletown, the Downtown Eastside, Kitsilano, Fairview, and Mount Pleasant have the highest risk of damage from a large earthquake. Seismic […]

UBC Civil in the Media – UBC researcher brings clean water home to Kenyan school

The Kisii project shows how powerful it can be to combine academic research with real-world applications to address pressing global challenges

Earthquake Preparedness and Resilience: UBC Civil Engineering’s Latest Insights for BC ShakeOut Day

featuring research on heritage preservation and Ultra-High Performance Concrete

UBC Civil Engineers help monitor and preserve heritage sites

UBC Civil has developed advanced methods of vibration-based SHM techniques over the years for assessing large structures.

Dr. Tony Yang receives funding from Rogers, Mitacs, and NSERC

This funding will fuel the development of construction technologies that could revolutionize the industry.

New funding for CoLab PhD research on extreme weather

A new funding initiative at UBC is bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines to tackle one of the most pressing problems of our time: managing the impact of extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. With $53,000 in annual renewable funding, the Collaborative PhD Program is aimed at training students across diverse fields […]

Faculty Hiring

UBC Civil Engineering invites applications for 2 tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor

UBC Civil Engineering unveils new hallway mural in CEME

The Civil and Mechanical Engineering Building is not quite how students left it at the end of the last academic term. Over the summer, the white walls that lined the hallway leading down the Civil Engineering laboratories were transformed into a colorful mural by local Musqueam artist, Debra Sparrow, and her team. Titled “The Thunderbird […]

Dr. Ryan Ziels receives the ISME/IWA BioCluster Rising Star Award

in recognition of interdisciplinary research at the interface of microbial ecology and water/wastewater treatment.

Dr. Tamara Etmannski awarded Sustainability Fellowship

UBC Sustainability Fellowships are awarded to full-time faculty members who are initiating the development of innovative sustainability courses and programs.

Dr. Sheryl Staub-French appointed Head, pro tem

She has held a number of additional administrative and leadership roles, and has received several awards

Faculty Promotions: Dr. Kim, Dr. Swei, Dr. Jelovica and Dr. Molina-Hutt

This well-deserved recognition highlights their exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and service.

Dr. Omar Swei receives prestigious Killam Teaching Prize

This award is nominated by students, colleagues, and alumni and recognizes exceptional contributions through teaching.