Calling All New River Professionals!
In the spirit of this year’s theme, Resilient River Corridors: Navigating Challenges, Opportunities and Change, we aren’t just talking about the future; we’re giving you the chance to try to navigate these challenges yourself!
We are thrilled to announce “The Channel Changer”, a premier Case Study Challenge designed specifically for our new professionals and students.
Teams will be presented with a complex riverine scenario—ranging from high-stakes flood mitigation to intricate habitat restoration. You’ll be given a dossier of site photos, maps, and data sets. Your mission? Develop a creative, resilient solution that balances engineering needs with environmental stewardship.
This isn’t your standard networking mixer; it’s a high-energy, hands-on opportunity to prove your skills, collaborate across disciplines, and get direct mentorship from the best in the business.
NOTE: The term New Professional is self‑identified and intentionally flexible. It’s meant for individuals who consider themselves early in their river‑science careers (including students) or who have only a few years of industry experience.
This event goes beyond a simple handshake. It’s about testing your skills in a low-risk, high-reward environment while building lasting professional connections.
The Challenge: Real Data. Real Solutions.
The Marauder River is in trouble. Its channel, floodplain, vegetation, benthic community, and wildlife are all under stress, and it needs bold, innovative thinkers to help turn things around. In our Channel Changer Challenge, you will work in small teams alongside industry experts (to be announced soon!) and dive into a realworld case study using a curated dossier of site photos, maps, and data. Your mission? Design a creative, resilient solution that balances engineering demands with environmental stewardship. Then, put your ideas to the test by presenting your solution to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win the 2026 Emerging Practitioner’s Award for Channel Design, a feature in the conference newsletter, and of course, a major resume boost.
Why You Should Dive In
- Interdisciplinary Teamwork: When you sign up, tell us about your background! We will curate teams to ensure a mix of academic and professional expertise, mimicking real-world project environments.
- Expert Coaching: Each team is paired with a Senior Professional Coach. This is your chance to get 1-on-1 guidance and learn how a veteran approaches a complex corridor challenge.
- The Pitch: You’ll present your solution to a panel of expert judges who will evaluate your work based on:
- Scientific Rigor: Strength of the technical approach.
- Feasibility: Can this actually be built or implemented?
- Holistic Thinking: How well did you consider constraints and downstream impacts?
Event Logistics
When
Sunday, June 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., immediately preceding the Ice Breaker event.
Where
McMaster University Campus
Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL) room M22
The Big Reveal
Winners will be announced at the Conference Closing on Wednesday, June 10.
The Reward
Beyond the massive resume boost, the winning team receives a sponsored gift card, a feature in the conference newsletter, and a professional journal subscription!
How to Join*
Participation is free, however registration in advance is required.
Spaces is limited to ensure quality time with our senior coaches.
Sign up is part of the conference registration form.
Ready to Make Waves?
*Please note: during the registration process, you will be asked to provide your experience details so we can build the ultimate “dream team” for you.