CANTON — SUNY Canton’s American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter Shines at Regional Steel Bridge Competition
The SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter’s Steel Bridge Team secured a remarkable third place overall at the 2025 American Institute of Steel Construction Regional Student Steel Bridge Competition, held recently at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Competing against top-tier teams, they achieved third in both Construction Speed and Construction Economy.
Mathew Greene from Waddington, a senior in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology program, led the bridge’s fabrication, learning welding techniques from Instructional Support Associate Neil A. Haney during his first year. Unlike many colleges that outsource construction, Greene and his team managed the entire fabrication process themselves over the past two years, showcasing both skill and commitment.
Adrienne C. Rygel, Ph.D., an associate professor in the program, praised the team’s dedication and hard work. “Mathew Greene spent countless hours machining and welding during his winter break and into the spring term,” she stated. Faculty involvement extended beyond bridge fabrication, with Secretary Owen J. Thompson representing the chapter at the National Mead Paper Competition, discussing civil engineers’ ethical roles in infrastructure disaster management.
Saeid Haji Ghasemali, Ph.D., faculty advisor for the design aspect of the project, noted the team’s exemplary coordination and engineering prowess. “Our students oversee every element, from concept to final fabrication, with guidance from faculty,” he emphasized.
The team, including members from various towns, led by President Dominic E. Hauptman and Treasurer Ronald J. Wood-Terrance, demonstrated impressive teamwork and innovation. Looking ahead, Rygel affirmed their commitment to continuous improvement, saying, “The excitement does not stop here; we are already gearing up for next year’s competition.”
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