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 Columbia and Canada after earning first place earlier this year at the British Columbia Water and Wastewater Association (BCWWA) Student Design Competition (Water Environment Category). The team was led by Dr. Zeina Baalbaki, a Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering.
The WEFTEC Student Design Competition challenges university teams from around the world to develop innovative solutions to real-world water quality issues. Competing teams present their designs to a panel of industry experts, with top entries recognized for their technical excellence, creativity and practicality.
Building on their BCWWA success, the UBC students developed a green infrastructure solution to improve stormwater runoff quality within the Nelson Creek watershed. Their proposal focused on reducing stormwater pollution through nature-based design, integrating bioswales and retention systems to manage runoff more effectively. The project, completed in collaboration with the City of Coquitlam, was recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable urban water management and community impact.
“Designing a real-world project with the City of Coquitlam and presenting internationally taught us how shared purpose, collaborative teamwork, and interest-holder considerations can deliver effective nature-based stormwater solutions, while strengthening watershed resilience and enhancing community spaces,” said the StormWise Innovation Team.
“This success is a testament to the students’ innovation, passion and effective collaboration with partners and mentors. The mutual value gained from this experience underscores the importance of hands-on, real-world learning in Engineering design education” Dr. Baalbaki
This achievement marks UBC’s first international WEFTEC win since 2019 and highlights the continued impact of UBC students in advancing sustainable design at the global level.
Hosted annually by the Water Environment Federation, WEFTEC is the world’s largest conference dedicated to water quality, bringing together students, professionals and researchers to exchange ideas and showcase innovative solutions to global water challenges.