RH2 supports the University of Washington on a Spring 2025 Capstone Project
At RH2 we build more than just infrastructure, we build futures.
In Spring 2025, we had the pleasure of supporting the University of Washington’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Capstone course, CEE 444: Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering.
In collaboration with Professor Faisal Hossain, UW Facilities, and UW Sustainability, RH2 staff provided professional insight as students designed a theoretical water storage and distribution system for the UW Seattle campus. RH2 team members participated in two class presentations, a field trip hosted by UW Facilities, and several office hours to offer technical guidance on water system design and feasibility input. Staff also attended midterm and final presentations to provide feedback on the group projects.
This industry-supported capstone partnership gives senior engineering students the chance to address real-world water resource challenges. Zach Schrempp has been part of RH2’s involvement with UW since 2023, and says the experience of mentoring students never gets old:
“Participating in the UW capstone is one of my favorite ways to engage with the UW CEE students and promote the water/wastewater industry as a career path for those who find our area of practice interesting and meaningful. We are grateful to Professor Hossain for the opportunity to support the capstone class over the last several years.”
Through repeated collaborations over the years, RH2’s mentoring has grown into a truly impactful experience for both students and staff. Many students from past capstone projects have gone on to join the RH2 team, including Annie Kang, who reflected on her own experience:
“Having taken this class myself just a year earlier, it was wonderful to return as a mentor and help students apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations and see how their work can directly benefit their community.”
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive.
Was this class intellectually stimulating? Did it stretch your thinking? Why or why not?
“This class was super intellectually stimulating. Unlike any of the other undergraduate courses in CEE, this capstone allowed us to apply all our knowledge and overcome challenges just like in the professional world. I loved every aspect of this course.”
“Yes, it was, the ability to work on a project that is pertinent to UW as a whole had me constantly thinking even when I wasn’t in class on how we could improve and change our project for the better.”
“It was fascinating as the class is more free form, it meant we made more choices than we were taught what to do, so it was an interesting intellectual exercise.”
What aspects of this class contributed most to your learning?
“Meeting with industry professionals like RH2, UW maintenance staff members, providing data, and guidance from the teacher.”
“The field trips and outside help from RH2 and the UW community.”
“Office hours with engineering mentors contributed the most to my learning. They were extremely useful, and the professionals offered great advice.”
RH2 is committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and advancing practical, sustainable infrastructure. We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Washington and look forward to future partnerships that bridge academic learning with professional practice.
