PhD Candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Christchurch, New Zealand | Available to relocate
sirui_wang@outlook.com
I am a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Canterbury, specialising in hydraulic modelling, pipeline networks, and infrastructure condition assessment. My work combines modelling, field data interpretation, and analytical research to support practical, evidence-based decisions in infrastructure planning, monitoring, and asset management. I am seeking early-career opportunities in water engineering, pipeline engineering, hydraulic modelling, and related infrastructure roles across the water, gas, and petroleum sectors.
Hydraulic ModellingPipeline NetworksCondition AssessmentOperational Data AnalysisInfrastructure Planning
Curriculum Vitae
Summary
PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a strong background in hydraulic modelling, water network analysis, and infrastructure condition assessment. Experienced in using modelling, field measurements, and data analysis to assess system performance and support evidence-based engineering decisions. Seeking a graduate water engineering role where these skills can contribute to resilient, data-informed solutions across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Education
2022 - Present
University of Canterbury
PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering
Research includes network-scale hydraulic transient modelling, condition assessment field validation, and operational data analysis on water pipeline networks.
2018 - 2021
University of Canterbury
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering, GPA 7.88
Key Strengths
Hydraulic modelling and water network analysis
Strong interest in resilient and sustainable water infrastructure
Collaborative communicator with coordination and technical reporting experience
Field-aware with a strong health and safety mindset
Quick to learn new tools, methods, and ways of working
Adaptable across multidisciplinary and field-based environments
Skills
Hydraulic Modelling & Network Analysis
Hydraulic modelling for capacity, pressure, and demand-scenario assessment (for example EPANET)
Renewal and upgrade support using condition evidence and hydraulic performance evaluation
Network-level sensor planning for operational monitoring and decision support
Condition Assessment & Monitoring
Hydraulic transient diagnostics and interpretation for network behaviour and anomaly identification
Familiar with DMA analytics, CCTV, acoustic logging, and transient-based inspection
Data Analysis & Tools
Signal processing with Python and MATLAB
Data visualisation with Python, MATLAB, and Excel
GIS-based spatial risk mapping
Project Delivery & Communication
Technical reporting and oral presentation
Planning, documentation, coordination, and field safety readiness
Relevant Experience
2022 - Present
PhD Candidate
Developed hydraulic transient models to investigate behaviour in operational water networks
Analysed field data to identify unlogged network features and improve understanding of pipeline conditions
Developed a network-level pressure sensor placement strategy for operational pipeline deterioration monitoring
2022 - 2025
Teaching Assistant Coordinator
Coordinated Teaching Assistant scheduling, role allocation, and responsibilities across course delivery periods
Communicated with lecturers and laboratory technicians to plan and deliver laboratory sessions, ensuring smooth teaching operations
2020 - 2021
Final Year Design Project
Contributed to a water supply network planning and design project, covering demand assessment and system sizing for stakeholder requirements
Evaluated peak-demand and fire-flow scenarios to assess network capacity and service performance
2019 - 2020
Traffic Controller
Worked in field-based environments to support safe traffic movement around active work sites, following health and safety procedures and coordinating with drivers, crews, and supervisors
Publication
Wang, S., Li, Z., & Lee, P. (2025). Extended theoretical model for water pipeline passive assessment using ambient noise correlation. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 238, 113223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2025.113223
Additional Information
Bilingual: Mandarin (native), English (fluent)
Holds a current New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa
Holds a full New Zealand Class 1 driver licence, with experience driving large and manual transmission vehicles
Referees
Dr. Derek Li
Senior supervisor
Derek.Li@canterbury.ac.nz
Prof. Pedro Lee
Co-supervisor
Pedro.Lee@canterbury.ac.nz
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Canterbury, with a background in hydraulic modelling, pipeline network analysis, and field-based investigation of operational water networks. As I approach the completion of my doctoral studies, I am seeking graduate or early-career opportunities across the Three Waters sector, including roles with councils, consultancies, and contractors.
My research and academic training have given me a strong technical foundation in water infrastructure. Through my PhD, I have worked on hydraulic transient modelling, pipeline condition assessment, passive monitoring using ambient noise correlation, and data-informed analysis for infrastructure planning and decision-making. This has strengthened my ability to approach engineering problems analytically, work carefully with real-world data and uncertainty, and translate technical findings into practical engineering insight.
I am particularly interested in roles that allow me to contribute across different parts of the project and asset lifecycle, including planning, analysis, design support, delivery, operations, and asset management. I value opportunities to work with multidisciplinary teams on meaningful water projects that support resilient communities and well-managed infrastructure.
In addition to my research experience, I have developed strong communication and coordination skills through teaching, technical mentoring, and part-time work in both academic and non-academic settings. I hold a current New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa, am willing to relocate as required, and am comfortable working in office, site, and field-based environments. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my technical capability, practical mindset, and commitment to continued learning.
Yours sincerely, Sirui Wang
About My Journey
A concise timeline of the personal shifts and decisions that most shaped how I work, learn, and contribute professionally.
Beyond Work
Outside engineering, I value curiosity, patience, and making things with care. Travel, cooking, and everyday observation shape how I pay attention to people, places, and detail.
Wang, S., Li, Z., & Lee, P. (2025). Extended theoretical model for water pipeline passive assessment using ambient noise correlation. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 238, 113223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2025.113223
