March is National Engineering Month—Canada’s largest engineering event of the year celebrating engineers at all levels. Engineers play an important role in our society as they combine their ingenuity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to shape and transform our everyday lives. This month, Modern Niagara is proud to celebrate engineering excellence by recognizing some of our amazing team members who are making a big impact in our communities through their outstanding work. In this interview, Luke Seravalle, Mechanical Designer (EIT) at Modern Niagara discusses the importance of lifelong learning and his experience working in the field.
Tell us about your career path and how you got to where you are now. 
Prior to my graduation from Queen’s University in 2019, I had the privilege of contributing to the procurement activities associated with the Toronto Transit Commission, assisting with a number of new subway stations in my own city. This gave me a first glance at understanding the complex and collaboratively involved process required to ensure success. After graduating I was able to dip my toes into the ongoing work of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization and their plan for a deep geological repository. This experience highlighted, and ultimately carved the path for me to focus my interest on sustainable design, allowing me to reflect on the reality of the long-lasting impacts that my future decisions will have both environmentally and socially.
As an individual interested and invested in the environmental and societal impacts that organizations are making with regards to infrastructure in Canada, being given the opportunity to join Modern Niagara’s Engineering team was an easy decision. I am excited to contribute alongside a company currently spearheading the conversation and implementation of green initiatives in highly complex/important infrastructure projects across Canada.
What is a typical day at work for you?
As a Mechanical Engineer in Training (EIT) at Modern Niagara I have a very diverse day-to-day, filled with unique and complex problems that need to be addressed promptly ensuring that engineering design requirements are met and effective communication is achieved between project members and stakeholders. Working and learning in parallel is a key part of my role, as every task/project introduces new concepts that I have not yet investigated.
I am always looking to further advance my skills, whether it be in engineering analysis, drawing production or reporting. Our engineering team is small (but growing rapidly), and dense with knowledge and experience, allowing us to tackle any project that finds its way into our morning stand-up meetings.
What has been the highlight of your career at Modern Niagara?
Since I began working at Modern (coming up on two years), I would say Innovation Park, 945 Princess Street, Kingston has been an extraordinary project to have, and continue to assist on. This project has been a showcase of the great work that can be accomplished when ensuring that collaboration between divisions is put at the forefront. Modern Niagara’s Construction, Energy and Engineering teams have been working under strict deadlines and energy requirements as we continue to work towards a more sustainable future. It is hard not to be nostalgic about my time in Kingston, as over the past year I been able to design/develop laboratory spaces similar to the ones in which I began my engineering journey.
Do you have any advice for people looking to begin a career in construction?
Ask questions! The efforts and expertise of so many are seen all around us. If there is anything that intrigues you or leaves you puzzled, there is a countless number of individuals that can provide insight on how it was accomplished as well the steps to mitigate risk and ensure success.
Why would you recommend working in engineering?
Working in engineering gives you the power to use all of your faculties. The diverse range of problems calls for an equally large range of solutions. Iterating through and employing the tools you have made available to yourself through your career but also personal interests/motivations allow an engineer to truly own your work at the end of the day.
Where do you see the future of engineering headed in the future?
As we continue to see stricter project requirements, such as carbon-reduction and net-zero initiatives, become more prevalent in the goal to ultimately de-carbonize Canada electrification will be key. I believe that as an engineer, designer, and constructor, industry leaders will need to be able to wear different hats. Solutions will need to be more creative and multi-disciplinary than ever. Leaning on one another and working collaboratively effectively between project members and functional end users will be a fundamental requirement for success.
