Laurence Roussin, CPI, project manager in the Natural Environments and Riparian Development team at Avizo Experts-Conseils, holds a bachelor's degree in water engineering (international profile) from Laval University. She agreed to answer our questions.
Laurence, how did you choose the profession of water engineer?
I have always loved science. In high school, I liked math and physics. Then, I studied natural sciences in CÉGEP, which suited me perfectly.
It was really by pure chance that I heard about the Water Engineering bachelor’s program at Laval University from which I graduated in 2020.
The combination of school subjects that make up the program interested me and I have always been touched by the protection of the environment. This is why I chose to study water engineering.
How did your studies at Laval University go?
The courses for the first two years of the bachelor's degree in engineering at Laval University are quite general. This is the basics of engineering. We look through engineering mathematics, probability and statistics, engineering computing, etc. I was a little less challenged by that.
But then the third and fourth year classes were much more to my liking. They were really water engineering courses.
The bachelor’s in water engineering is very general, we touch on everything related to the field of water. Drinking water production, wastewater treatment, infrastructure design for water transportation, shoreline development, stormwater management works, infrastructure such as small dams, dykes, etc.
It is on the job market that you specialize or by continuing to study for a master's degree.
What does your job at Avizo Experts-Conseils look like?
My work at Avizo Experts-Conseils is more focused on the development of waterways. It is really this branch of water engineering that interests me.
We always start with a field visit, then we analyze the problem and then move on to the production of plans and specifications or technical reports.
We write authorization requests for the Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MELCC) when the project is carried out, we may be called upon to supervise on site.
Sometimes I work on projects in the natural environment, other times in an urban environment. I can work on stabilizing eroded banks, creating fish habitats or developing stretches of waterways, for example.
Plant engineering techniques are used to stabilize the banks. This is highly valued by the MELCC. It gives banks and shores that have a more natural look.
What do you like most about your job?
What I find very interesting is that the projects of my team require the inputs of several other stakeholders, such as biologists, hydro geomorphologists, geotechnical engineers and agronomists. We are constantly working with professionals from other fields. It is really interesting to learn more about these complementary fields.
Each project by the Natural Environments and Shoreline Development team is unique. This is a constantly evolving field, as are the regulations that govern it. New techniques are always put forward and we contribute in carrying out original projects, it is very motivating.
What is not well known about your profession?
When I introduce myself to people and tell them that I work in water engineering, they often don't know what it is. It is true that water engineering is a fairly recent discipline.
Previously, water engineering was part of the bachelor's degree in civil engineering. There are many engineers with a lot of experience in the field. They have become specialized in the field.
The water engineering bachelor’s degree at Laval University has existed for perhaps ten years. I think the other universities in the province offer specializations in water engineering.
What are you most proud of?
Well, even at the start of my career, I have already participated in the production of several plans and specifications for the development of waterways in collaboration with qualified engineers such as Marco Binet, who has thirty years of experience in shoreline development and Neil McLaughlin who also has a lot of experience in all areas of water, all over the world.
I find that the plans and specifications are a great end product. There is a lot of work, a lot of time has been spent to achieve them. Then when you see the end result, it's a nice summary.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in water engineering like you?
First off, it takes an interest in science and the environment.
A Bachelor’s in engineering is possible. You don't have to be afraid of it. You have to put stereotypes aside, you have to try it.
Then, you have to maintain your interest, especially at the beginning of your undergrad, to succeed in passing through the general, less specialized courses. You have to make it to the specialization course, not get discouraged.
And finally, there is more than one way to become a water engineer. Like me, you can complete a bachelor's degree in water engineering. Civil engineering programs often offer specialization in hydrology and hydraulics. There is also a bachelor’s degree in agro-environment at Laval University which allows you to work in water engineering.
Then on the job market, we can touch on projects in the development of waterways.
Engineering is not at all contingent. Anyone who has studied science in CÉGEP and even social sciences with math and some science courses could be admitted into the water engineering program.