Degree: Civil Engineering, BASc 2022
LinkedIn: Thiruni Thirimanne
What are you doing now and how does your engineering education from Waterloo help
with your life today?
I am currently pursuing my MASc in Civil Engineering (Water) at the University of Waterloo, where I
often draw upon the foundations laid during my undergraduate studies and co-op experiences. The
academic rigours and practical exposure from my undergraduate coursework were fundamental in
developing a deep understanding of topics relevant to my current research and my brief time working in
the industry. Courses such as CIVE 382: Hydrology and Open Channel Flow and CIVE 583: Design of
Urban Water Systems provided foundational knowledge crucial for delving into this subject. Moreover,
the co-op program offered hands-on experience, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts in real-world
scenarios, enhancing my skill set for the challenges I now encounter in my graduate studies. This
combined academic and practical groundwork strongly supports my ongoing research efforts.
Why did you decide to be a part of REAC?
I joined REAC to contribute to fostering a supportive community for recent engineering graduates. I was
motivated to be part of a committee that facilitates connections among alumni, providing a platform to
share experiences, offer support, and collectively progress professionally within the engineering domain.
What is a favourite piece of advice or quote that you would be interested in sharing?
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll
go." ― Dr. Seuss
This quote resonates with me because it emphasizes the ongoing nature of learning. It reminds me that
as we learn, we pave the way for personal growth and greater success in our journey.
What was your favourite place to eat at in Waterloo?
My favourite place to eat in Waterloo is Momo's!
What are your plans for the near future?
In the near future, I will be dedicating time to advancing my research initiatives while keeping an open
mind about new prospects. I'm also eager to broaden my travel experiences in the near future!
Finally, do you have any fun and/or interesting media recommendations? Could be a
book, song, movie, documentary, videogame, etc.
I'm currently re-reading “Frankenstein” and finding it just as exciting as before!