The second-place certificate for CSCE Best Student Chapter Award is presented by Mohammed El-Gendy (L), Chair, CSCE Student Affairs Committee, to the U of T Student Chapter’s Sean Leung (CSCE U of T Co-op Strategist) and David Qian (CSCE U of T VP Finance).

The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) University of Toronto Student Chapter has won second place for the CSCE Best Student Chapter Award.

“This award reflects the collective efforts from last year’s team, led by our previous co-presidents, Maria Vetrici (Year 3 CivE) and Wael Halabi (Year 3 CivE). They contributed significantly to the success of the club, and we would greatly appreciate it if they could also be acknowledged,” says David Qian (Year 3 CivE) incoming co-president of the club for the 2026-2027 academic year, along with Oleksandra Boiko (Year 3 CivE).

Qian adds, “The participation in the 2026 CSCE Annual Conference marked our student chapter’s first in-person attendance at this event in over 30 years, which is a significant milestone for our group,”

The presentation was made at the conference in Quebec City at the beginning of June. The award was accepted by U of T Student Chapter’s Sean Leung (CSCE U of T Co-op Strategist) and David Qian (CSCE U of T VP Finance).

The Class of 5T6 Civils gather with their annual scholarship recipient in group photos.
Left side (top to bottom): 1999, 2007, 2016. Right side (top to bottom): 2017, 2019, 2021.

The Civil Engineering Class of 1956, known as the 5T6 Civils to their group, is celebrating the 70th anniversary of their graduation from U of T Engineering. Additionally, the class is observing over six decades of philanthropy in the form of an annual scholarship for Civil Engineering students. This enduring scholarship is poised to go on for years to come as their lasting legacy.

“Over the 70 years since graduation, the 5T6 Civils have designed more than bridges, roads, buildings and water treatment plants – they have built lasting connections with each other. Their contributions, humour and companionship remain part of this remarkable group,” reflects alumnus Jim Burgess.

In 1964, as classmates established themselves in their careers, they decided to give back; the class banded together to establish their 5T6 Civils Scholarship. As Burgess recalls, “I was president – as I have been since undergraduate days – when the scholarship was established. At the reunion meeting, Mike Uzumeri – a professor at the time – made the motion to establish the scholarship. There was considerable discussion and then a vote was passed with a significant majority in favour.”

The scholarship is awarded to a second-year Engineering student at U of T on the basis of high academic merit and leadership, as demonstrated through involvement in extracurricular activities. “A second-year student was chosen to be the recipient, as at that time Survey Camp was five weeks long and this greatly reduced the summer working time for students,” explains Burgess.

Initially, the value of the award was $100 and individual annual donation was $15. Over the years the value of the award and the level of contribution have increased substantially. The contribution has increased to $100 annually with some classmates making larger one-time contributions.

In 2025, the award was $6,148 and the market value of the fund was $189,000. Next year, the market value is anticipated to exceed $200,000, with the award likely to be about $8,000. Initially, the scholarship was administered completely by the alumni, with selection of the winner made by four classmates who were on the teaching staff at U of T. Investment of the funds were made by the class. In recent years the scholarship has been handled by the U of T but with the student attending the reunion. The scholarship winners have been invited and attended the reunions as guests.

Of the original 72 graduates, now all nonagenarians, there remain some 12 active members. The dozen include Jim Burgess, Bill Clarke, John Hurlburt, Lembit Maimets, Ed McKelvey, Neville Monteith, Norbert Morgenstern, Bill Pick, Mike Rose, Bill Steggles, Dan Van Beilen and Don Waddell.

One of the most visible members of the class, Orlando Martini, passed away in January 2026; his daughter, Saskia Martini-Wong has taken over the secretarial tasks and continues to attend the reunions. Martini was known to visit campus for Alumni Reunion, as well as scholarship celebrations and to also visit Camp when the opportunity arose.

Though all are currently in their 90s, classmate Lembit Maimets will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, making him the eldest of the group and first centenarian of the group.

Included among the 62 recipients are three Civil undergrads who later became teaching faculty in the department – Professor Emeritus Frank Vecchio, Professor Emerita Brenda McCabe and Professor Marianne Touchie.

If you would like to make a contribution to the 5T6 Civils Scholarship, please click this link

The Class of 5T6 Civils at Camp (aka Survey Camp) a the Gull Lake location in August 1954.

First-year U of T Engineering students, who had not yet declared an interest in Mineral Engineering, were taken on a trip to see a northwestern Ontario mine in operation. The unique experience gave them new industry certifications, an appreciation for the scope and scale of operations, a taste of outdoor adventure by snowmobile and the revelation they could forge a career in the mining industry.

Students on the Greenstone Grind trip were given rides on snowmobiles to sample the outdoor adventures in the area. (Ontario Mining Association)

Eleven first-year U of T Engineering students, drawn from programs across the Faculty, travelled over 1,000 km from Toronto to see an operational mine in northwestern Ontario up close. They came home with industry certifications, an appreciation for the sheer scale of modern mining, a taste of outdoor adventure by snowmobile and the realization their engineering future could be in mining.

The field trip was held during the February 2026 Winter Break, aimed at students from different programs across the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, including Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), Chemical Engineering (ChemE) and the TrackOne program, which allows students to explore different areas of engineering before selecting a focus in second year. The goal was to provide an eye-opening view into the mining industry and the many future career possibilities available to engineering graduates.

The trip has already led to jobs. As direct result of this initiative, Equinox Gold Corp’s Greenstone Mine extended summer internship offers to three of the 11 participants. Among them are Abdullah Ammad (Year 1 ElecE) and Ana Maria Gastelum-Carbajal (Year 1 ChemE). Several others say they now see a future in mining across a wide range of engineering roles, with one student leaning towards switching to the Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program for their second-year studies at U of T.

Looking towards the future for Critical Minerals in Canada, as well as provincial policies in Ontario, the program is designed to help ensure the coming engineering needs of mining are met by exposing students to the multitude of possibilities available. This program directly gives them the opportunity to sample the possible roles and see the full-scale operations in action.

Students on the Greenstone Grind toured the open pit gold mine site, the mill, undertook classroom instruction for industry certifications and enjoyed a campfire cookout. (Ontario Mining Association)

The Ontario Mining Association chronicled the trip with several videos and a blog post.


What does a career in mining actually look like for the next generation of engineers?

That was the question behind The Greenstone Grind, a weeklong immersive experience that brought 11 first-year engineering students from the University of Toronto to Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine in Northwestern Ontario during reading week in February.

Over the course of the week, students explored mine operations, mill operations, warehousing and logistics, safety systems and community life at the mine and in Geraldton, Ont. They rode in 250-tonne haul trucks, toured processing facilities and learned how different engineering disciplines intersect across a large-scale mining operation. They also earned key industry certifications like Surface Miner Common Core and others through their NORCAT training that are now on their resumes for their future job applications.

For many students, the experience challenged preconceived ideas about the industry.

“It’s completely different from what I thought,” became a recurring sentiment throughout the program as students saw firsthand the scale, coordination, technology and problem-solving involved in operating one of Canada’s newest and largest gold mines.

The experience also highlighted the critical role engineering talent plays in Canada’s resource economy. At a time when the world is reorganizing itself around energy, critical minerals, supply chain sovereignty, beneath it all is mining. With a growing demand for engineers.

Programs such as Greenstone Grind aim to encourage Canadians to consider a career in mining by exposing students to career pathways they may not otherwise consider during their early years of study.

Designed as an experiential learning opportunity, the Greenstone Grind gave students a clearer understanding of how classroom concepts translate into real operational environments. From chemical engineering principles used in gold extraction to electrical systems, logistics coordination and environmental monitoring, students were able to see engineering theory applied in real time. As many students said, it ‘brought the textbook to life.’

The program also emphasized the human side of the industry. Students spoke directly with operators, engineers, tradespeople and site teams about career progression, workplace culture and life in Northern Ontario communities that host mining operations.

As Canada continues to focus on workforce development, STEM engagement and domestic resource capacity, initiatives that connect education with industry experience are becoming increasingly important. The Greenstone Grind provides one example of how universities, industry and community partners can work together to introduce students to sectors that are actively shaping Canada’s economic future.
~ Ontario Mining Association


Watch the Greenstone Grind Reality Series for a behind-the-scenes look at modern mining through the perspective of the 11 first-year U of T engineering students experiencing it firsthand.

The Greenstone Grind was a partnership between the Ontario Mining Association, Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine, the University of Toronto, the Lassonde Institute of Mining, the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, the TrackOne engineering program, Dyno Nobel, Fastenal Canada and NORCAT; and part of a the broader This Is Mine Life initiative funded through a partnership between the Ontario Mining Association, the Government of Canada, Ontario Government and Employment Ontario.

CBC Radio – Metro Morning | June 9, 2026

Evaluating and verifying concrete components of the new cross-border bridge is airy stuff, with researchers counting on bubbles within.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Mich. (left) to Windsor, Ont. (Gordie Howe International Bridge)

A team of researchers from U of T’s Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering (CivMin) is helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge by studying its components at the microscopic level.

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Windsor, Ont. with Detroit, Mich., and is expected to open later this year. The CivMin team, led by Professor Karl Peterson, has been evaluating every concrete pour for the project since 2021.

“Entrained air gives space for water during freeze-thaw cycles,” says Peterson.

Students in Professor Karl Peterson’s lab examine concrete samples from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. L to R: Wisdom Okoh, Katia (Ekaterina) Ossetchkina, Professor Karl Peterson and Amy Montgomery. (Photo by Phill Snel / CivMin, University of Toronto)
A cabinet full of concrete core samples from both Canada and the U.S. (Photo by Phill Snel)

“There are a lot of theories about how water moves around when concrete is at freezing temperatures, but it helps the water move around without causing any damage.”

Throughout this process, Peterson and his team have examined upwards of 500 specimens to ensure consistency and reliability.

As a matter of regular practice, concrete is tested on the construction site prior to being poured. Additionally, multiple samples are obtained during each concrete pour for strength testing at later dates.

The additional step of verifying the regular distribution of the air content and spacing of the air-entrained concrete is achieved using a polished section of the hardened material and examining it at the microscopic level.

“The spacing factor is a simplification, but it’s a number that describes the distance to the nearest entrained air bubble,” says Peterson.

A student handles a concrete sample. (Photo by Phill Snel)

“The entrained air bubbles are a tenth, to a few tenths, of a millimetre in diameter and, ideally for freeze-thaw durable concrete, there should be a bubble within two-tenths of a millimetre for 95% of the binder.”

The bridge is anchored on land and spans the Detroit River. Peterson says that for him, the most exciting parts are the bridge pylon towers.

“Those are really low water-to-cement ratios, with a lot of silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag,” he says.

“It’s really a dark-coloured binder. We get concrete from everything from fence post holes to anything else that’s poured on site, but not the pre-cast sections. The samples arrive as cores, or cast cylinders, about four inches in diameter, a bit larger around than a hockey puck, and eight inches tall.”

Prof. Karl Peterson (centre) looks at an enlarged microscopic image of a concrete sample displayed on an 8K, 3×12 m screen in the Stewart L. Blusson Visualization Facility (VF).

The team of undergraduate summer student research assistants and graduate students includes Ekaterina Ossetchkina (CivMin MASc 2T3), Oleksiy Chernoloz (MinE 2T4 + PEY), Lucas Herzog Bromerchenkel (CivMin MASc 2T3), Fiona Higham (Year 3, CivE), Mahzabin Karim (CivE 2T3+PEY), Liam MacHale (CivE 2T4 + PEY), Amy Montgomery (PhD student), Yuqi Hu (CivE 2T3 + PEY), and Wisdom Okoh (MASc student).

The work has also resulted in the publication of a research paper, published in the Journal of Microscopy in 2024.

By Phill Snel

The Gordie Howe International Bridge. (Photo by Gordie Howe International Bridge)

Gordie Howe International Bridge
By the numbers:

  • $6.4 billion contract value
  • 2,500 jobs created
  • 30 years operation period
  • 6 traffic lanes
  • 16 toll lanes
  • 24 primary inspection lanes
  • 1 multi-use path
  • 37.5m width of bridge
  • 46m height of bridge deck above water
  • 220m height of bridge pylon towers
  • 2.5 km length of bridge
  • 853m clear span
  • 130 hectares area of Canadian port of entry
  • 1,200 different concrete recipes available and used, depending on need
  • For more information, visit the Gordie Howe International Bridge website

CBC News | June 6, 2026

Stephen Laditi (CivE 2T5 + PEY) and Favour Nwanna (CompE 2T5 + PEY) are completing their undergraduate degrees at U of T Engineering this June

Left to right: Stephen Laditi (CivE 2T5 + PEY), Favour Nwanna (CompE 2T5 + PEY) and Cassandra Abraham, Outreach Coordinator, Engineering Student Recruitment and Outreach Office, U of T Engineering. (photo by Tyler Irving)

Five years ago, Stephen Laditi (CivE 2T5 + PEY) entered U of T Engineering because he felt it could take him “anywhere I want to go.” Now, as he prepares to receive his degree, that belief is even stronger. 

“I’ve learned just how vast engineering is,” says Laditi. 

“When I started in civil engineering, I was just thinking about designing buildings and infrastructure. But through my courses, and through my internship, I’ve learned that there’s even more to it.” 

“You can mix engineering with law and specialize in construction law. Or you can mix engineering and business and run your own consulting firm. It’s much bigger than I originally thought.” 

Laditi was one of the very first students to graduate from Blueprint. Created in 2020, Blueprint is a year-long engineering program designed for Black high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). 

The program offers a unique opportunity to explore real-world problem-solving, develop technical skills and gain insight into university-level engineering pathways, all while building community with other Black students in the STEM disciplines. 

Since its inception, 17 Blueprint alumni have enrolled in undergraduate studies at U of T Engineering, with many more joining STEM programs in other faculties or at other institutions. This June, the first four Blueprint graduates will cross the stage at the U of T Engineering convocation. 

Another member of this cohort is Favour Nwanna (CompE 2T5 + PEY). She credits Blueprint to opening her eyes to the diversity of pathways within engineering. 

“Blueprint helped me learn to think of engineering as a diverse field,” says Nwanna. 

“In the program, we did multiple different courses: there was an urban development course, a programming course and a biology one. I think that was my first understanding that you could have multiple different careers, but all with an engineering background.” 

Nwanna spent her first year exploring, taking courses from various disciplines within engineering practice. In her second year, she made the decision to transition into computer engineering. By the end of her third year, she was working on financial engineering projects via internships facilitated by the Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program

“I worked at two different banks. One of the things I did was help implement new AI tools, including a chatbot that employees could use to create reports from large databases,” says Nwanna. 

“It provided them with a more natural, user-friendly way to turn data into insights, and it felt very closely related to what I was learning in class. That solidified the idea that I wanted to continue on in that field.” 

After graduation, Nwanna will be taking a position with Scotiabank through the Talent Incubators for Leaders of Tomorrow (TILT) program, which is specifically designed for new graduates. She will cycle through several different areas of the institution’s business, applying her newfound skills to technical challenges. 

Laditi also did a PEY Co-op internship, completing his placement with Ledcor, a diversified construction company. It went so well that the company has offered him a full-time job upon graduation. 

“It was great to be able to get an idea as to whether I would like that field before even graduating,” says Laditi. 

“I learned that I really enjoy the whole construction management process, so it’s a great place for me to start my career.” 

Both Laditi and Nwanna have continued to be involved in Blueprint, serving as mentors for the cohorts that followed them. 

They also stayed in touch with their fellow Blueprint graduates through various clubs and teams that they joined throughout their undergraduate degrees, including the U of T Engineering Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Students Association and the Nigerian Students Association. 

Cassandra Abraham, outreach coordinator with the Engineering Student Recruitment and Outreach Office, was the key architect of Blueprint. 

 “Seeing the first Blueprint alumni graduate from U of T Engineering is incredibly meaningful,” says Abraham. 

“It reflects the long-term impact that access, mentorship and community support can have on student success. 

“I hope future students can see themselves reflected in Favour and Stephen and recognize that engineering and U of T are spaces where they belong and can succeed. I would love to see Blueprint continue to expand its impact, open doors for students and contribute to a more inclusive future within engineering and STEM.” 

Nwanna and Laditi both describe their feelings about graduation as “bittersweet.” 

“I’ve been in school for so long, it’s hard to imagine what to do next, to the point where I’m seriously considering a Master’s degree,” says Nwanna. 

“But I’m ready to try my hand at having a career and seeing where that will take me.” 

“It’s definitely true that I enjoyed some parts of my degree more than others, but overall, it’s something I’d do again,” says Laditi. 

“The experiences I had, the friends I made, the things I’ve learned — they’re invaluable. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the University of Toronto community.” 

By Tyler Irving

This story originally published by Engineering News

Sina Ahmadi Malayeri will soon be completing his Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto, specializing in Construction Management and the ELITE emphasis. Originally from Iran, Sina joined the program in September 2024 and is about to conclude his academic program. We spoke with him about his academic journey, student life, and reflections on graduate studies. 

Sina Ahmadi Malayeri, a CivMin MEng student. (Photo by Galina Nikitina / CivMin – University of Toronto)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

My name is Sina Ahmadi Malayeri. I’ll soon be completing my studies as an MEng student in Civil & Mineral Engineering, with emphases in Construction Management and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE). I’ve completed my coursework and am currently waiting for my convocation in June. 

Why did you choose the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, and why U of T? 

When I was exploring options for graduate studies, I was looking for a university with a strong global reputation and a solid foundation in engineering. Beyond that, I wanted a place that helped bridge industry and academia. Engineering, for me, has always been more than technical problem-solving. The human side is often overlooked. 

U of T stood out because it gave me the opportunity to focus on leadership, communication, conflict resolution and the human dimension of engineering. The ELITE emphasis is a great example of this. The flexibility of the MEng program also played a major role. I had the autonomy to choose courses aligned with my academic and professional journey rather than following a rigid path. Among seven other offers, U of T checked all the boxes. 

You mentioned having several other offers. Where were they, and why did you choose Canada? 

I had offers from universities in the United States, Netherlands and Canada. What drew me to Canada, and specifically U of T, was the multicultural environment. Being in classrooms with students from different academic backgrounds and cultures creates diverse perspectives and ways of thinking. That diversity inevitably shapes how you grow as an engineer. Learning the same topic through multiple global and disciplinary lenses is incredibly enriching. 

Where did you move from, and how has your experience in Toronto been? 

I’m Iranian. I moved to Canada in September 2024 and currently live in Toronto. 

I love Toronto, especially its cultural diversity. There’s always something happening, including festivals, food, events and people from all over the world. The winters can be harsh, but I enjoy them. The city offers a vibrant experience, both socially and culturally, which has made my time here very rewarding. 

How was your transition to Canada and settling into the program? 

The transition wasn’t easy. The immigration process for Iranians can be quite challenging, but academically, U of T offered a lot of support. I was already familiar with the university from a visit in 2018, and when I decided to pursue graduate studies, I spent time researching rankings and program details. 

The information sessions and detailed course descriptions on the U of T website were especially helpful. By the start of my first semester, I already had a strong sense of the courses I wanted to take. While plans evolved once I arrived, those resources gave me clarity and confidence going in. 

What have been your favourite courses? 

Since I pursued both Construction Management and ELITE, my favourite courses came from both areas. 

In Construction Management, I especially enjoyed Engineering Management of Large Projects by Professor Daeho Kim and The Business of Knowledge in Civil Engineering by Professor Tamer E. El-Diraby.These courses provided a broader perspective on how large-scale civil engineering projects impact society, industries, and the economy. This is something we often overlook when focusing heavily on technical design. 
 
In ELITE, Cognitive and Psychological Foundations of Effective Leadership by Robin Sacks was outstanding. I’ve recommended it to more than 20 people. Another favourite was The Science of Emotional Intelligence and Its Application to Leadership by Danny Cushing. These courses were transformative and helped me explore strengths I hadn’t fully recognized before. 

Do you have any favourite places on campus? 

I’m a big fan of gothic architecture, and U of T’s St. George campus feels like Hogwarts. Some of my favourite spots include Knox LibraryUniversity CollegeHart House, and Trinity College. Each has a different atmosphere and offers a great study environment. 

How has your student life been outside of academics? 

Very active and colorful. Beyond academics, I wanted to contribute to the community. I volunteered on several committees, including student advisory groups, and served as a director on the board of the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union

I’m also involved in mentorship programs and student clubs. I founded and ran the University of Toronto chapter of Startup Ecosystem Canada, a national organization focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am also a part of the AI Collective hosting events that explore the real-world applications of AI in civil engineering and real estate. I also worked as a peer leadership facilitator while completing my studies.  

My days often included classes, workshops, social activities, and meetings, all in one day. U of T offers countless opportunities if you’re willing to ask the right questions and get involved. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I’m currently in a transition phase, exploring opportunities that align with my values and interests. I’m looking to move into industry to apply what I’ve learned and see real-world outcomes. After years in academia, it’s time to put theory into action and continue learning through experience. 

Do you have any advice for prospective or incoming students? 

If you’re thinking about applying, just do it. U of T’s academic reputation is well known, but beyond that, it offers incredible opportunities through events, alumni networks, and industry engagement. 

My biggest advice is be open to things beyond academics alone. It is very common to get buried in academics; it happens, and it is completely normal. If you can, explore activities outside the classroom. Personally, I would rather graduate with a strong GPA and a rich, balanced experience than focus solely on grades. University is not just about studying. It’s about building, testing, connecting and growing. If you’re not enjoying the journey, something needs to change.  

I remember days when I had classes in the morning, workshops at noon, played hide and seek in University College in this very building [Galbraith Building], and ended the night with a board meeting or a similar commitment. 

It is a colorful experience, with so many things to explore. If you ask the right questions, there is so much the university has to offer. I remember the very first day I came to U of T and saw the campus. I thought, “I put in the effort to get here. Now it’s your turn. Show me what you’ve got.” So far, it has not disappointed. 

Watch Sina’s video:

May 22, 2026 | StudyFind

Farah Ghizzawi (CivMin PhD 2T6) studied how e-bike delivery vehicles can make for more efficient and sustainable freight transportation in dense, crowded cities

For her doctoral thesis, Farah Ghizzawi (CivMin PhD 2T6) studied ‘last-mile’ freight transportation — specifically the use of e-bikes to replace delivery trucks in dense, crowded neighbourhoods. (photo by Tyler Irving)

Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, Farah Ghizzawi (CivMin PhD 2T6) knew that her mother wanted her to be a doctor. But mathematics, not biology, was her real passion. 

“I was just fascinated by how we can use numbers to describe all kids of phenomena around us,” she says. 

“Mathematical models are such incredibly powerful tools for understanding how the world works, and for predicting how it could work differently if we change a few things.” 

Ghizzawi applied to the American University of Beirut, but didn’t tell her mother that she had selected engineering rather than a pre-med program. She managed to keep the secret until her mother saw the engineering course codes on her tuition statement. 

 “She was so flipping mad, she stopped talking to me for a month,” says Ghizzawi. 

“But I kept at it, and I got really high grades. I proved to her that I can do exceptional things in engineering, and eventually she came around to the idea.” 

After graduation, Ghizzawi took a job at SETS International, a consulting firm that specializes in areas such as transport planning, infrastructure systems and architecture. 

As a transportation modeler based in Beirut, Ghizzawi worked on planning projects primarily in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, as well as several other countries across the Gulf region, developing mathematical models to simulate passenger demand and traffic operations. 

One of her key mentors was the company’s co-founder, Issam Kaysi, who inspired her growing interest in the transportation field. 

“I love the idea of the transportation system as a communal space,” she says. 

“Sometimes we treat economic activity in a city as though it’s separate from the transportation network, but it really isn’t. Their relationship is intertwined.” 

From 2014 to 2016, Ghizzawi was both a full-time transportation planner and a full-time student, earning a master’s degree in systems engineering, also from the American University of Beirut. 

But she always knew that one day she wanted to do a PhD. She discussed the idea with her mentor Kaysi, who mentioned that he had once been an adjunct professor in the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering at U of T. 

“I learned later that more than half of the senior managers or directors of our company, which had branches all over the Middle East, were U of T Engineering graduates,” she says 

“Until then, I had only been considering Ivy League universities in the United States, but after that, I started thinking about Toronto.” 

Ghizzawi says she picked U of T for the quality of its research program, as well as the lifestyle and sense of balance she felt Toronto could offer compared with the environments she had previously experienced in Lebanon and the United States. But the most important factor was her choice of supervisor, Professor Matt Roorda (CivMin). 

“I just saw the potential of him being a great mentor, and I was right,” says Ghizzawi. 

Over the last five years, Ghizzawi has carried out a detailed case study on a pilot project designed to handle the challenges of last-mile freight delivery. 

The Urban Quick Stop is a collaboration between U of T Engineering, Purolator and the City of Toronto. It includes a pick-up and drop-off facility built inside a standard shipping container and located in a parking space provided by the City of Toronto, at the heart of U of T’s St. George Campus. 

It also facilitates door-to-door deliveries via the use of specialized e-bikes, which replace larger trucks for the critical last few kilometres of a delivery journey. 

“My role was to collect and analyze the data to understand whether this new system really was better than the trucks it replaced,” says Ghizzawi. 

“I used to have to go there very early in the morning to install GPS devices on these vehicles so we could gather telemetric data. I also talked to the drivers and the retail workers in the container, serving as the communication point between Purolator and my research team.” 

The results of the study have now been published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. They show that the new system has clear benefits. 

“E-bikes can do the job more efficiently than big trucks,” says Ghizzawi. 

“It’s easier to accommodate them on the curbside, they’re safer and they interact with other transportation modes better. And on top of all that, they are zero-emission.” 

“We presented our findings to city council, and Purolator now has the green light to expand city-wide. Our analysis can help with that too, in terms of locating these potential hubs across the city, sizing up the fleet and all that.” 

Ghizzawi will receive her diploma at U of T Engineering’s Spring Convocation Ceremony on June 16. After that, she plans to return to working in the transportation industry. 

“I want to build a name for myself in the transportation field,” she says. 

“I want to be part of the conversation where decisions are being made, to be a subject matter expert who will have influence on those decisions.” 

But for Ghizzawi, U of T wasn’t just about getting qualifications; it was about building relationships. 

“I have always thought of myself as an open person, and I like to be friends with people who are very different than myself,” she says. 

“My five years here have really been all about putting that into action. I don’t think I would have had that experience if not for my time in Toronto, and at U of T. I’m super grateful for that.” 

By Tyler Irving

This story originally published by Engineering News