NSERC CREATE for Training in Civil Engineering: STEWARD - System Training and Education in Water Assets Research and Development

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Public expectations for clean water at the tap and in the environment have contributed to driving the water sector from its historical "low-tech" image to become a key component of the "clean-tech" economy. However deficiencies in the North American buried infrastructure system present technical, economic and security challenges for safe water delivery in our current water distribution and wastewater collection systems. To address these water infrastructure challenges, it is clear that a new comprehensive pedagogical approach, which draws upon a range of expertise, will be required to train the next generation of young professionals in the water industry. The Systems Training and Education in Water Assets Research and Development (STEWARD) program will meet these training needs through a collaborative environment that is unique to Canada. Interest in the STEWARD program is evident from the greater than $800,000 in university-based funding support from Dalhousie University and Queen's University. Both Universities have generated substantial infrastructure support in their laboratories and research facilities and are well-positioned to lead this training initiative. STEWARD has also attracted support from research organizations (STREAM - UK-based water training program), water utilities (Utilities Kingston, Halifax Water), and consultants (Stantec). STEWARD will train a total 63 HQP or 119 full-time equivalent students (24 undergraduate, 45 Master's, and 50 Doctoral) over the 6 years of the NSERC program, facilitating their transition into the Canadian workforce, and providing them with unique skills and broad vision, forming the next generation of young professionals leading improvements in infrastructure engineering and management. The training outcomes for STEWARD will be measured annually using metrics that have been designed specifically for STEWARD. These outcomes will be assessed annually by a Policy Program Committee, which will give guidance to the Program Director and administrative team.