On Saturday, February 7, the RHU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department hosted a free, full-day outreach workshop to introduce high school students to the fundamentals and real-world applications of civil engineering. Bringing together 26 students from various schools, the event provided an immersive academic experience that combined faculty mentorship, hands-on application, and team-based problem-solving.
The program started with an introductory session covering the various fields within Civil Engineering, including structural, environmental, transportation, and construction engineering. Department Chairperson Associate Professor Dr. Mehedeen Machaka, Associate Professor Dr. Riad Wardany, Assistant Professor Dr. Rana Haj Chhade, and Lab Engineer Dr. May Mrad offered students valuable insights into the profession, its changing opportunities, and its critical role in developing resilient and sustainable communities.
The workshop was successfully organized with support from civil engineering students and ASCE RHU Chapter President Hala Demashkieh, underscoring the department's strong culture of student leadership and mentorship. Transitioning from theory to practice, participants completed a series of interactive activities that simulated real engineering challenges. These included void content measurement testing, the Da Vinci self-supporting bridge challenge, and a quantity takeoff construction exercise. Through these hands-on experiences, students improved teamwork, analytical thinking, and technical skills, and gained a better understanding of how classroom concepts apply in real-world scenarios.
Four outstanding participants, Zeina Ghlayini, Malak Jaber, Dalia Bou Fayad, and Razan Abou Saad, were awarded a 50% scholarship to join the Civil Engineering program at RHU, in recognition of their exceptional performance and enthusiasm.
Through initiatives like this workshop, RHU continues to empower aspiring engineers, foster academic curiosity, and invest in Lebanon’s next generation of leaders.
