Graduate Opportunities
All graduate positions are currently filled. This page describes the research areas and the materials prospective applicants should prepare for when future openings are posted.
Current status
There are no open Ph.D. or M.A.Sc. positions at present. New openings, with start dates, funding details, and project areas, will be listed here when available.
Research areas
The group works on urban water under four overlapping themes.
- Low impact development. Permeable pavements and porous asphalt; bioretention cells and rain gardens; green roofs and rainwater tree trenches; performance in Canadian cold climates.
- Urban stormwater management. SWMM and PCSWMM modelling; climate change impact assessment; flood mitigation; urban heat island reduction.
- Water quality modelling. Microbial contamination in stormwater; heavy metal removal and treatment; watershed-scale assessment; environmental risk analysis.
- Environmental informatics. Remote sensing and GIS; hydrological modelling with uncertainty quantification; fuzzy logic and machine learning for environmental systems; data-driven decision support.
Who should apply
Master’s applicants should hold a B.Sc. or B.Eng. in civil, environmental, mechanical, or a related engineering field, with a GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent. International applicants need TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+. Background in fluid mechanics, hydrology, or environmental engineering is expected; programming experience (Python, MATLAB, R) is an asset.
Ph.D. applicants should hold a thesis-based M.Sc. or M.Eng. in a related field, with a GPA of at least 3.7/4.0. Research experience with publications, evidence of independent research, and advanced programming and modelling skills are expected.
Applicants from related fields — environmental science, geography, physics, computer science — may be considered if quantitative preparation and relevant coursework or research experience are strong.
Funding
When positions are available, graduate students may be supported through some combination of NSERC scholarships (CGS-M, CGS-D, PGS-D), UVic fellowships and graduate awards, research assistantships on active grants, departmental teaching assistantships, and conference travel support. Specific funding arrangements depend on the program and project, and are discussed once a fit has been identified.
How to apply
Step 1. Email Dr. Valeo at valeo@uvic.ca before submitting a formal application. Use the subject line “Prospective Graduate Student — [Your Name]” and include:
- A CV or resume (maximum two pages).
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
- A one-page statement covering research interests, fit with the group, career goals, and relevant experience.
- Contact details for two or three references.
Step 2. Formal application. If invited to proceed, apply through UVic Graduate Admissions and the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Deadlines. Fall intake: 15 January for funding consideration, 31 March final. Winter intake: 1 September.
What to expect
Students work alongside collaborators at UVic and the University of Calgary, and on partnerships with the City of Vancouver and other municipalities, environmental consultancies, and international research networks. Facilities include the environmental hydraulics laboratory, water quality testing equipment, field monitoring instruments, and high-performance computing. Training covers conference presentations and publications, grant writing, teaching, and mentorship.
Current projects include urban forestry and climate change mitigation (supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions), stormwater bioretention systems optimisation, microbial contamination in urban waterways, and green infrastructure performance monitoring.
Common questions
Can I start in January or May instead of September?
Start dates depend on project timing, funding, and admissions requirements. Preferred intake timing should be raised in your initial email.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, when positions are available and university admission, English language, and study permit requirements are met.
Is funding guaranteed?
Funding depends on the program, available grants, and the specific project. It is discussed only after an applicant is identified as a potential fit.
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 their quantitative preparation and relevant coursework or research experience are strong.
Can I visit the lab before applying?
In-person visits are possible when scheduling allows. If you will be in Victoria, email Dr. Valeo to ask whether a meeting can be arranged.
More information
For questions about research fit or future openings, contact Dr. Valeo at valeo@uvic.ca.