Emerging researchers from the NRPOP Laboratory showcased their academic progress and expanded their professional networks at CSCE 2025 in Winnipeg.
(Photo caption: From left to right: Junzhang Chen, Anran Wang, Dr. Baiyu (Helen) Zhang (Leading researcher of NRPOP Lab), Dr. Bing Chen (Director of NRPOP & President of CSCE 2024/25) and Runbo Yuan at the CSCE Winnipeg 2025)
From May 27 to 30, 2025, three members of the Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory at Memorial University of Newfoundland actively participated in the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference (CSCE Winnipeg 2025), held this year in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The CSCE Annual Conference is one of Canada’s most prestigious gatherings of civil engineering professionals, researchers, and students.
The NRPOP Lab delegation included Anran Wang (she/her) and Junzhang Chen (he/him), both M.Eng. students in Civil Engineering, and Runbo Yuan (he/him), a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering. Among them, Anran and Junzhang delivered presentations on their respective research findings.
Anran’s research focuses on cold region environmental engineering, and her presentation highlighted recent progress in addressing the unique engineering challenges posed by northern climates. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked:
“Attending such a long-established and respected national conference was profoundly meaningful. It not only allowed me to engage with renowned researchers and scholars in the field but also gave me the opportunity to meet many peers in person and lay a foundation for my future professional network.”
Junzhang Chen, who specializes in environmental engineering, also presented his current research outcomes. In addition to his academic contribution, he participated in various young professional leadership and student chapter development events as President of the CSCE Memorial University Student Chapter (CSCE-MUN). These sessions provided a platform for student leaders nationwide to share experiences, best practices, and operational insights.
Speaking about the broader value of the conference, Junzhang shared:
“The CSCE Annual Conference is more than a venue for academic presentations. It facilitates genuine dialogue between early-career engineers and experienced leaders in the profession. That exchange of ideas sparks creativity and reinforces the collective growth of our discipline.”
The NRPOP Lab continues to promote interdisciplinary, environmentally driven engineering research and remains committed to contributing meaningfully to Canada’s sustainable infrastructure and environmental management.
About the CSCE
The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) or La Société Canadienne de Génie Civil (SCGC), created to develop and maintain high standards of civil engineering practice in Canada and to enhance the public image of the civil engineering profession, is a national not-for-profit learned society founded in 1887 as the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers.
With over 5,000 members, the CSCE strives to grow and promote the civil profession in Canada and worldwide. It provides leadership in sustainability practices in civil engineering, including sub-disciplinary areas such as environmental, hydrotechnical, geotechnical, structures, construction and transportation.
