Civil Engineering Major Focuses on Sustainable Solutions for Communities

BRISTOL, R.I. – During his studies, Romuald Cadet came to appreciate the capacity for engineers to address infrastructure challenges in a constantly changing and globally-connected world. It enabled the Civil Engineering major from Stoughton, Mass., to see the opportunities for improving systems all around him.

“I was drawn to solving structural problems,” he said. It’s a passion he developed by exploring the range of engineering specializations, a distinct advantage that RWU students gain from the Engineering program. Students take courses across civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering, as well as areas such as computer application, sustainable engineering, and more, to develop as well-rounded engineers, while diving deeper into a specialization.

Cadet had chosen Roger Williams University for its high-quality Engineering program, but also because it offered many other advantages. “A small-to-medium-sized school meant increased access to faculty, better engagement, and support throughout my time at the school. It also reminded me of home, since there’s a large pond near my town and the Roger Williams campus has the same kind of beauty.”

While he entered Roger Williams as an Electrical Engineering major, he found himself drawn to seek solutions to infrastructure-related challenges and decided to change course. “So much of the world relies on roads, bridges, and other parts of transportation networks to live,” he said. “Agriculture, manufacturing, even the growth of artificial intelligence and threats related to climate change, require input from civil engineers.”

“I’m learning how closely environmental engineers must work with civil engineers to develop solutions to some of the world’s challenges,” he added. “These aren’t going to be solved by working alone; we need to work with everyone who can help to come up with sustainable, long-term solutions.”

Cadet’s work on an erosion mitigation project honed his passion for sustainability issues and the knowledge that his work can make an impact in the world. “Think about highway maintenance and construction,” he said. “It’s important to build and maintain these roads in a sustainable way that considers not only getting a project done on time, but also potential impacts to surrounding areas, animal and human populations, and climate.”

Through RWU, he also interned with Pare Corporation, applying the lessons he learned in the classroom in the real world. That internship experience was invaluable, he said, giving him the opportunity to “connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds and share my experiences with other students.”

Beyond the classroom, Cadet has made connections across campus, finding support and community that has helped him thrive while also giving back to his fellow students. He credited the staff at the Intercultural Center with introducing him to the Barber Shop, a student group on campus that provides “a gathering place for Black men to support one another,” Cadet said. The Barber Shop “was especially valuable” in helping him navigate campus life and build community, he said. “Michael Walsh at the Intercultural Center helped me find people like me who could help guide me through some of my campus experiences.”

He also highlighted the support he received from Mary Santoro, Director of Career Services at the Center for Career and Professional Development, who helped him find internships and “lifted me up throughout my academic career.”

Cadet acknowledged the importance of paying forward the support and community he found to the next generations of classmates. As a Resident Assistant, he became an unofficial mentor for several classmates. “It’s important to give back, to help students the same way my mentors helped me,” he said.

After he receives his degree in May, Cadet will participate in an internship at Gilbane Construction this summer. He is excited for the challenge of learning more about how to apply his studies more broadly.

“Construction offers opportunities to use what I’ve learned in a different area, taking these engineering lessons into the real world while continuing on my path of growth and advancement,” he said.