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Milan Marojevic, MSc Civil & Environmental Engineering

Structural engineer’s graduate work leads to a change in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Building Code

Learn About the Program

For most people, stepping out of their comfort zones means changing jobs or finding a new hobby, but for Milan Marojevic, it meant moving from one continent to another to pursue graduate studies. After gaining hands-on experience as a site engineer in his home country of Montenegro, he decided to further explore his long-standing interest in structural engineering.

The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ civil engineering program was the right choice for professional and personal growth, says Milan, who augmented his studies with extracurricular skill-building roles that included leading the U of A’s team to first place at the in Montreal. 

“I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team of graduate students from our research group and bring the trophy home to Edmonton,” he says. 

Another accomplishment — Milan’s thesis, Structural Performance of Mass Timber Basement Walls, has had a direct impact on ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Building Code — a crowning achievement for the dedicated structural engineer. His research on the design and construction of permanent wood foundations using mechanically laminated timber panels is now reflected in a STANDATA variance.

Degree in hand, he has accepted a full-time position as a structural design Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) at and is seeing his passion for bridge design come to fruition.    

Congratulations Milan!

What program are you graduating from?

Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I have always been passionate about structures and how they shape the world around us. After gaining experience as a site engineer in Montenegro, I wanted to deepen my knowledge in structural design. Led by the story of a very good friend of mine, I applied and received a scholarship to do research at the U of A. It turned out to be the perfect choice for both academic and professional growth.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

One of my favourite memories is leading the U of A team to first place at the in Montreal. It was an amazing experience to combine design, teamwork, site work and hands-on building — and to celebrate afterward with the team and mentors.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

It was a privilege to learn from and be supervised by , one of the leading experts in structural timber engineering. My favourite class was (Advanced Structural Analysis) — I really enjoyed combining traditional structural analysis methods with modern programming techniques.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

Yes, I served as the U of A team lead for the APT Timber Bridge Competition in Montreal. I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team of graduate students from our research group and bring the trophy home to Edmonton! The whole journey took almost ten months and included site visits, structural analysis, hands-on building of the bridge in the lab and finally a week spent in Montreal for the competition.

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

Moving to another continent and leaving family and friends in Montenegro was a big challenge. However, collaborating with fantastic classmates, getting involved in different campus activities, and sports clubs helped me find a group of people I really enjoy spending time with and led to making great friendships!

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Follow your passion and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! I switched continents and moved to a new place where I literally didn’t know anyone. I highly recommend making a development plan at the beginning of your studies and communicating your goals clearly with your supervisors — really important! Professors are there to help you build the best version of yourself, but you have to communicate your goals, and again, don’t be afraid to do so!

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

Sharing the moment with some great people out here, sending some photos back home, and eventually treating myself to a nice weekend trip to the Rockies. :)

What's next after graduation?

I’m very excited about the next chapter! I believe this is a great time to be a structural engineer and to contribute to building ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ — not just by designing structures, but by helping create stronger communities, better experiences and closer connections between people!