Capstone projects are an important part of many programs at Durham College (DC), including Civil Engineering Technology, challenging students to apply their knowledge to complex problems while developing skills valued by employers. Through projects that often involve industry partners, students gain experience that supports a strong transition into their careers.

For Civil Engineering Technology students Amena Maududi, Alvaro Reyes and Rouaa Alaalyan, that meant tackling a timely question: how can concrete be made more sustainable? Their capstone project explored the use of coconut coir fibre as an alternative to traditional reinforcement materials, with a focus on improving concrete’s tensile and flexural performance while also reducing environmental impact.

“The problem we were trying to solve is that concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, which can limit its durability in certain applications,” says Maududi. “We wanted to explore whether coconut coir fibre could improve tensile and flexural performance, while also offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional reinforcement materials.”

The team tested concrete mixes for compressive strength, flexural strength and workability. Samples were prepared at DC’s Shop Lab 5, then cured and tested at the City of Oshawa’s Materials Testing Lab, with additional testing conducted at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, with support from Dr. Dan Palermo, Professor and Deputy Provost, Markham Campus.

“Working across different labs taught us the value of collaboration and adaptability,” says Alaalyan. “We learned professional communication and project coordination skills that are essential in engineering practice.”

Their capstone work was guided by Dr. Pourang Ezzatfar, whose mentorship helped the students connect with external partners and refine their approach. “He challenged us to think critically, justify our decisions and continuously improve our work,” says Reyes. “That pushed us to approach the project with a more professional and analytical mindset.”

Maududi says the program played a key role in building both technical and professional confidence. “From the first year, we had opportunities to apply what we learned, work with industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Civil 3D, and strengthen our communication skills. Those experiences have prepared me to enter the workforce with confidence.”

All three students also completed field placements with the City of Oshawa’s Materials Testing Department, where they gained experience in both laboratory and site-based testing. That experience directly informed their capstone work and strengthened their understanding of quality assurance and materials performance in construction.

Looking ahead, Maududi hopes to pursue design-focused roles while continuing to explore sustainable engineering practices. “Capstone showed me how material choices and design decisions affect the environment. I want to contribute to projects that meet technical standards while promoting sustainability,” she says.

For prospective students, she adds that the capstone is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. “It’s a chance to take initiative, think independently, and bring together everything you’ve learned. Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are key, and the experience is both challenging and memorable.”

The team’s work highlights not only new approaches to sustainable concrete, but also how DC prepares graduates for careers in the civil engineering field. Through applied learning and industry-connected experiences, students develop the skills needed to contribute from day one.

Learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology program at Durham College.