A childhood trailing behind her father through Dominica's rugged terrain sparked Josmyne Floissac's passion for civil engineering. Now a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), she reflects on those early experiences that shaped her path.
"Civil engineering has been part of my life since childhood," Floissac recalls. "My father, a civil engineer, worked across Dominica – from airport projects to infrastructure planning at Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO). I would accompany him into the bush, watching fascinated as he transformed what we saw into detailed plans on his computer. Initially, I asked endless questions, but as I grew older, I began conducting my research and finding solutions independently."
For Floissac, the appeal of civil engineering lies in its direct connection to the community. "What drew me to civil engineering is that it’s one of the oldest and most essential disciplines," she explains. "But more importantly, it's the discipline closest to humanity – everything we build must be used. The impact is immediate and visible whether it's a bridge or a road."
Floissac has had the chance to put her knowledge into practice during her studies at RIT. One notable experience was her internship with LaBella Associates, where she worked on municipal projects aimed at tackling environmental issues. "We tackled flooding issues along Lake Ontario, where homes had lost their septic tanks, causing waste to contaminate the lake," she explains. "Our solution involved implementing grinder pumps and creating a comprehensive wastewater treatment system that allowed clean aspects of the waste to safely return to the earth."
These hands-on experiences with environmental challenges in the United States have deepened Floissac's perspective on infrastructure development in her home country of Dominica. While the contexts differ, the fundamental principles of balancing development with environmental protection remain crucial.
As Dominica pursues its ambitious goal of becoming climate resilient, Floissac sees both challenges and opportunities. "We need to think about how our infrastructure can withstand increasingly severe weather while minimizing environmental impact," she emphasizes. "It's not just about building – it's about building smart."
This emphasis on "smart" building extends beyond mere structural integrity to encompass the very materials used in construction. Sustainability stands at the forefront of modern civil engineering challenges. "Take concrete, for example," Floissac illustrates. "While it has a large carbon footprint, we can make it more sustainable by incorporating materials like fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning. Though sustainable materials might cost more initially, they often prove more economical by requiring less maintenance and offering better disaster resilience."
The future of civil engineering in small island states lies in this delicate balance – creating innovative solutions that respect natural environments while meeting development needs. As climate challenges intensify, civil engineers will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable, resilient infrastructure that serves both communities and the environment. Josmyne's journey from curious observer to emerging engineer exemplifies the kind of holistic thinking needed to address these complex challenges.
"In Dominica and other small developing states, this means finding innovative ways to balance development needs with environmental protection," she concludes. "The future of civil engineering lies in creating sustainable solutions that respect both our natural environment and our development goals."