Graduate Opportunities
Join Our Research Team!
All graduate student positions in the Valeo Research Group are currently filled. This page outlines the group’s research areas and the materials typically requested when future openings become available.
🎓 Current Opportunities (Filled)
Ph.D. Positions
There are no open Ph.D. positions at present. When positions become available, expected start dates, funding details, and project areas will be posted here.
Master’s Positions
There are no open M.A.Sc. positions at present. Prospective applicants are welcome to review the research areas below and check back when new opportunities are announced.
🔬 Research Areas
The group works on urban water research through:
1. Low Impact Development (LID) Technologies
- Permeable pavements and porous asphalt
- Bioretention cells and rain gardens
- Green roofs and rainwater tree trenches
- Performance in Canadian cold climates
2. Urban Stormwater Management
- SWMM and PCSWMM modeling
- Climate change impact assessment
- Flood mitigation strategies
- Urban heat island reduction
3. Water Quality Modeling
- Microbial contamination in stormwater
- Heavy metal removal and treatment
- Watershed-scale water quality assessment
- Environmental risk analysis
4. Environmental Informatics
- Remote sensing and GIS applications
- Hydrological modeling with uncertainty quantification
- Fuzzy logic and machine learning for environmental systems
- Data-driven decision support tools
💰 Funding Opportunities
When positions are available, graduate students may be supported through a combination of:
- NSERC Scholarships (CGS-M, CGS-D, PGS-D)
- UVic Fellowships and Graduate Awards
- Research Assistantships from active grants
- Teaching Assistantships through the Department
- Conference Travel Support for presenting research
📋 Minimum Requirements
For Master’s Applicants:
- B.Sc. or B.Eng. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
- Strong academic record (minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0 or equivalent)
- Proficiency in English (TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ for international students)
- Background in fluid mechanics, hydrology, or environmental engineering
- Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, R) is an asset
For Ph.D. Applicants:
- M.Sc. or M.Eng. (thesis-based) in related field
- Excellent academic record (minimum GPA: 3.7/4.0)
- Strong research experience with publications preferred
- Demonstrated ability for independent research
- Advanced programming and modeling skills
🌟 What We Offer
Research Facilities
- Environmental hydraulics laboratory
- Water quality testing equipment
- High-performance computing resources
- Field monitoring equipment
Collaborative Research Environment
- Work with researchers from UVic and University of Calgary
- Partnerships with City of Vancouver and other municipalities
- Industry collaborations (environmental consultancies, technology companies)
- International research networks
Research Training
- Conference presentations and publications
- Grant writing experience
- Teaching and mentorship opportunities
- Networking with industry professionals
Victoria, BC
- Research and study at the University of Victoria
- Year-round field and laboratory work opportunities
- Access to regional municipal and coastal research settings
- A strong local engineering and environmental research community
📬 How to Apply
Step 1: Contact Dr. Valeo
Before applying formally, please send an email to valeo@uvic.ca with:
- Subject line: “Prospective Graduate Student - [Your Name]”
- CV/Resume (max 2 pages)
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Brief statement (1 page) describing:
- Your research interests
- How they align with our group’s work
- Your career goals
- Relevant experience and skills
- Contact information for 2-3 references
Step 2: Formal Application
If invited to proceed, apply through the official channels:
- University of Victoria Graduate Admissions: www.uvic.ca/graduate
- Department of Mechanical Engineering: www.uvic.ca/engineering/mechanical
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Intake: January 15 (funding consideration), March 31 (final deadline)
- Winter Intake: September 1
🎯 Student Success Stories
Graduate Outcomes:
- Graduates from the group now work in academia, government, consulting, and applied research
- Student research has led to journal articles, conference papers, and technical presentations
- Group members have received scholarships, presentation awards, and graduate fellowships
- Current projects span modelling, field monitoring, water quality, and green infrastructure
Current Projects:
- Urban forestry and climate change mitigation (Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions)
- Stormwater bioretention systems optimization
- Microbial contamination in urban waterways
- Green infrastructure performance monitoring
🌐 Learn More
- Lab Website: Check our Research Team page
- Recent Publications: Publications page
- UVic Mechanical Engineering: uvic.ca/engineering/mechanical
- Graduate Studies at UVic: uvic.ca/graduate
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start in January/May instead of September?
Start dates depend on project timing, funding, and university admissions requirements. If future positions open, preferred intake timing should be discussed in the initial email.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. International applicants are welcome when positions are available, provided they meet university admission requirements, English language requirements, and study permit conditions.
Is funding guaranteed?
Funding arrangements depend on the degree program, available grants, and the specific project. Details are normally discussed only after an applicant is identified as a potential fit for an opening.
What if my background is not in engineering?
Students from related fields such as environmental science, geography, physics, or computer science may be considered if they have strong quantitative preparation and relevant coursework or research experience.
Can I visit the lab before applying?
In-person visits are possible when scheduling allows. If future openings are posted and you will be in Victoria, you can email Dr. Valeo to ask whether a meeting can be arranged.
Future Openings
For questions about research fit or future graduate opportunities, contact Dr. Valeo.
Contact Dr. Valeo