Chi-Han (Harry) Cheng Ph.D., P.Eng.

Hydrologic Modeling & RDII Calibration Specialist | Python Automation (PySWMM, NSGA-II) | ICWMM Presenter | JWMM Reviewer

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

Senior Water Resources Engineer specializing in advanced hydrologic modeling, automated calibration, and data-driven optimization for urban water systems. My work focuses on integrating physics-based models (SWMM, VO, HEC-RAS) with Python-based optimization frameworks (PySWMM, PyMoo, NSGA-II) to improve model accuracy, scalability, and regulatory defensibility. I developed a continuous RDII calibration framework that addresses key limitations of traditional event-based modeling through constraint-aware multi-objective optimization. This work was presented at ICWMM 2026 and invited for journal submission to the Journal of Water Management Modeling (JWMM). I also serve as a peer reviewer for JWMM. In practice, I lead hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for land development and municipal infrastructure projects across Ontario, supporting regulatory approvals with TRCA, NVCA, and MECP. Key focus areas: • Automated hydrologic model calibration • Integration of AI and physics-based modeling • Scalable urban water system simulation • Climate-resilient infrastructure modeling My goal is to bridge engineering practice and computational innovation to advance water system reliability and efficiency.

Experience

  • Senior Water Resources Engineer at DSEL - David Schaeffer Engineering Ltd.
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Lead advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (PCSWMM, HEC-RAS) for large-scale land development projects, supporting regulatory approvals (TRCA, NVCA, MECP) • Implement Python-based automation workflows for model calibration, QA/QC, and reporting, improving efficiency and reproducibility • Apply continuous calibration and dual-drainage modeling approaches to enhance model robustness and physical realism • Integrate VO-LID, erosion modeling, and system-scale simulation tools into engineering workflows

  • Senior Water Resources Engineer & Software Integration Specialist at Smart City Water Inc.
    Jul 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr

    • Lead dual-drainage modelling, RDII calibration, and groundwater elevation predictions using Visual OTTHYMO (VO) and VO SWMM. • Develop Python-based flow calibration tools for enhanced water system analysis. • Provide expert reviews on flood prediction calibration reports and hydrologic modelling methodologies. • Author technical documentation and training materials on VO SWMM tools and inflow/infiltration (I&I) modelling.

  • Senior Water Resources Analyst at Schaeffer & Associates Ltd.
    Feb 2023 - Jun 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

    ●Designed stormwater management, water supply, and sanitary servicing infrastructures for land development projects. ●Developed and calibrated PCSWMM wetland models for MESP feature-based water balance analysis. ●Led workflow automation using AI tools and Microsoft Power Automate, enhancing productivity. ●Conducted flow monitoring, hydraulic modeling, and hydrologic assessments for municipal stormwater planning. ●Engaged with municipal and conservation authority clients to provide high-quality hydrologic modeling solutions.

  • Water Resources Engineer-in-Training at Stantec
    May 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    ●Conducted flow monitoring data analysis and pump station analytics using Python. ● Assisted in sanitary master plan development, including hydraulic model calibration and growth forecasting. ●Developed flood risk analysis reports by updating hydrologic models and collaborating with international teams.

  • Civica Infrastructure Inc. (Vaughan, Ontario, Canada)
    • Senior Project Analyst
      Aug 2019 - May 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos

      ● Developed VO hydrology models for Frank Liu Property Drainage Analysis Project ● Calibrated PCSWMM hydrology models and analyzed flood frequency for Mimico Creek Watershed Hydrology Project ● Analyzed and QA/QC of flow monitoring data for Innisfil Developers Liaison Group Project ● Develop EPA SWMM dual draining models for I/I Reduction for Shining Hill Estate Collection Project ● Developed deep learning algorithms for Image Recognition to identify various land use and manhole types ● Develop InfoWorks ICM dual draining models for City of Vaughan: Integrated Urban Water Master Plan EA ● Develop Visual OTTHYMO(VO) continuous and single event models to analyze water balance and water quality for Township of King Comprehensive Storm Water Management Masterplan

    • Software Developer
      Apr 2018 - Aug 2019 · 1 yr 5 mos

      ● Contributed to analyze weather forecasting data for the Flood Forecasting System ● Developed Low Impact Development (LID) engine codes for Visual OTTHYMO 6 ● Developed compound channel and route reservoir overflow engine codes in Visual OTTHYMO