Join CUIIC Director Dr. Ali Bayat and our committee chairs for a comprehensive update on the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC). This session will highlight recent milestones, provide an overview of current programs, and share our strategic vision for the future of the industry.
If you’re interested in learning more about CUIIC, we invite you to attend this webinar.
Director, CUIIC
Dr. Ali Bayat is a Professor and Ralph Haas/Stantec Fellow in Civil Engineering and Senior University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair in Underground Infrastructure at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He also serves as the Director of the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC), where he leads a team of experts in developing cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of underground construction. His contributions to the field have been recognized with the prestigious National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in Underground Trenchless Construction.
Chair, Education and Outreach Committee
Jason Lueke, PhD, P.Eng. is the National Discipline Leader for Trenchless Technologies at Associated Engineering, where he provides technical leadership on complex trenchless installation and rehabilitation projects across Canada. With more than 26 years of experience, he specializes in horizontal directional drilling, microtunnelling, and large-diameter sewer and watermain rehabilitation, with a focus on risk-informed decision-making and constructability planning. Jason works closely with utility owners to support method selection, project planning, and delivery of trenchless solutions that balance technical feasibility, risk, and long-term asset performance. His experience includes numerous high-profile and award-winning projects recognized at national and regional levels. He is actively involved in the trenchless industry through leadership and educational roles and regularly presents at conferences and technical forums. Jason Serves as the Chair of CUIIC’s Education and Outreach Committee.
Chair, Geotechnical Subcommittee
Dr. Tamer Elshimi is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Partner at Thurber Engineering, bringing over 26 years of experience in geotechnical engineering. He currently serves as Chair of the CUIIC Geotechnical Subcommittee and has been an active contributor to various CUIIC initiatives since 2023.
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Elshimi has led and contributed to a wide range of high-profile geotechnical assignments spanning industrial, municipal, transportation, and infrastructure sectors in Alberta.
His areas of expertise include geotechnical numerical modelling, foundation analysis and design, culverts and buried pipes, tunnels, slope stability and landslides remediation, and ground improvement.
Chair, Industrial and Membership Committee
Oversees industry initiatives, promotes CUIIC’s objectives, and strengthens collaboration within the industry.
Otto is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the land development industry, with expertise in detailed design and project management. As Vice President of Development at NAC Management, he is part of the ownership team responsible for large-scale greenfield development projects. NAC collaborates with planners, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to develop an average of 1,000 commercial and residential lots annually.
Chair, Pipeline Rehabilitation Subcommittee
George Bontus, P.Eng., F. ASCE is Director of Engineering with Insituform Technologies Limited. Over
the past 22 years, he is involved in all aspects of CIPP based gravity and pressure pipe lining throughout
North America. George has been involved in research projects relating to material and installation
techniques for CIPP liners in gravity and pressure applications.
He is active in several pressure pipe rehabilitation related committees AWWA including Chairing
development of the new Sliplining Standard. He is Psst Chair of NASTT NW Chapter and an approved
Instructor for the NASTT CIPP Good Practices Course and the Introduction to Rehabilitation Course.
George is active on several NASSCO committees including Inserted Hose Standards and Pressure Pipe
committees. He is a professional engineer registered in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,
Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. George was recently recognized as a Fellow of ASCE.
Chair, Safety Subcommittee
Steve Joyes is a safety professional with 17 years in Construction Management OHS and COR compliance. He develops and implements proactive safety programs, aiming for a zero-incident environment to protect staff, property, the public, and the environment.
As Director of Training, Steve manages employee training, workplace respect, intervention, and due diligence, ensuring competence across all levels. He facilitates construction management, creates supervisor and intervention training materials, and drives process improvements to boost productivity, safety, and quality. He supports management using behavioral assessments and targeted improvement opportunities.
Chair, Young Professionals Subcommittee
Inshik is a PhD Candidate and a Graduate Research Assistant in Underground Trenchless Construction Program at the University of Alberta under supervision of Dr. Alireza Bayat. He is also a Teaching Assistant of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who actively involves in teaching of undergraduate/graduate courses at the University of Alberta. Inshik’s research focuses on the geotechnical aspects of horizontal directional drilling.
Chair, Research Subcommittee
M.A.Sc., P.Eng. Senior Project Engineer, City of Waterloo
