As a young water professional (YWP), curiosity has been my compass. It has driven me to ask questions, explore new paths, and ultimately transition from research into consulting. Throughout this journey, I have learned that building my career is less about having all the answers and more about staying excited to keep learning and exploring.
My First Steps in Water and Sanitation
I studied Biological Engineering in Mexico City, drawn in by a curriculum that integrated
biological systems, genetics, and process engineering. It helped me answer many of my early questions about science, like why things work the way they do. My interest in sustainability grew during a first-year seminar by Dr. June Garcia-Becerra. The discussion exposed urgent global issues such as water scarcity, drought, poor sanitation, and ecosystem deterioration. It inspired my commitment to developing innovative environmental solutions to these problems. During my second year, while still learning the basics of fluid mechanics, differential equations and microbiology, I asked myself: How do these concepts of engineering and biology come together to solve real environmental problems? That question led me to join Dr. Garcia-Becerra’s research group on a project using wetlands for wastewater treatment in a nearby community. Of course, I didn’t have all the technical skills to have a deep understanding of this research discipline, but curiosity drove me and opened the door to hands-on, purpose-driven science.
Graduate Studies and the Power of Networking
My growing interest in research eventually led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Canada, co- supervised by Dr. Garcia-Becerra and Dr. Ron Thring at the University of Northern British Columbia. I was eager to explore environmental technologies more deeply. My focus was on understanding how the physicochemical environment, as well as design and operational parameters, influence the performance of systems such as constructed wetlands. While I gained technical skills in lab work and modelling, I also learned how global research collaborations come to life. One of the most pivotal moments during my Master’s was when I attended an IWA Conference in France, where I met researchers and professionals equally passionate about nature-based research aimed at improving sanitation and protecting aquatic environments. Among them was Jennifer Massig, the CEO of MAGNA Engineering Services, a Calgary-based firm applying these solutions in practical, community-focused projects. I remember thinking: What would it be like to bring this research into practice? That moment made it clear: connecting scientific knowledge with environmental impact is not only possible, but also incredibly energizing.
From the Lab to the Field: Joining the Consulting World
Toward the end of my Master’s, I joined MAGNA through an MITACS Accelerate research internship to characterize the performance of two wetland systems for municipal wastewater in Alberta and Saskatchewan. It was exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for: a place where I could apply my academic knowledge while continuing to explore new scientific questions.
After completing my Master’s, I continued as a full-time Engineer in Training (EIT) at MAGNA. While the research internship helped ease my transition from academia to consulting, the shift still came with its challenges: tight timelines, client expectations, and learning new tools and terms quickly. Yet, every step has felt like a natural extension of the questions I have been exploring since undergrad. Each new project, team discussion, and site visit continues to show me how complex, meaningful, and rewarding the work in this field can be.
The hardest part of the transition? Letting go of the pace and depth of academic research.
Consulting moves faster, and you are expected to deliver insights that are not only well-
informed by science but also practical and ready to guide decisions, almost every day. The most rewarding part? Seeing your work implemented on the ground, creating meaningful solutions that benefit communities and the environment directly.
Final Thoughts
If there is one message I would like to leave on this post, it is to follow your curiosity and trust it. On my journey from studying to research to consulting, I learned that curiosity can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Written by: Mario Salinas
Mario Salinas holds a MASc in Engineering from the University of Northern British Columbia and a BEng in Biological Engineering from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. He is currently an Engineer in Training at MAGNA Engineering Services Inc., focusing on nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment in small communities. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming, reading in the park, and learning new languages.
IWA YWP Canada 