SUNY Canton Steel Bridge Team Shines at Regional Competition
CANTON — The SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter’s Steel Bridge Team achieved remarkable success by securing third place at the 2025 American Institute of Steel Construction Regional Student Steel Bridge Competition, held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Competing against elite teams, the students also earned accolades for construction speed and economy.
Mathew Greene, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology student from Waddington, spearheaded the bridge’s fabrication. Greene, who learned welding during his first year under the mentorship of Instructional Support Associate Neil A. Haney, dedicated significant time over winter break and the spring semester to manufacture the bridge. Unlike many colleges that outsource fabrication, SUNY Canton managed the entire process in-house, demonstrating its commitment to hands-on education.
“The dedication and enthusiasm of our ASCE Student Chapter members were vital to our success,” said Adrienne C. Rygel, Ph.D., an associate professor in the program. Faculty advisor Saeid Haji Ghasemali, Ph.D., praised the team for their coordination and engineering skill, emphasizing that the competition showcased a full year of diligent design and preparation.
Greene was actively involved in both build and load teams, collaborating with fellow students such as Vice President Nathan A. St. Louis and other talented individuals. The chapter also participated in the National Mead Paper Competition, where Chapter Secretary Owen J. Thompson presented on the ethical responsibilities of civil engineers in infrastructure crises.
With support from faculty and staff, including Instructional Support Associates and the Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology, the team is already looking forward to next year’s competition. “Our journey and excitement continue as we aim for even greater accomplishments,” Rygel added.
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