Alumni Spotlight: Alex Dason ‘07

Structural Engineer Alex Dason ‘07 loves using math and science to solve real-world problems. When he looks back on his education at York, he’s grateful for the hands-on learning that helped him develop the mindset and skills that he relies on today. “The York School set me up to think critically, to ask questions and to have an open mind when problems don’t have a clear solution,” he says.
Alex remembers his Senior School Physics teacher, Miss Jennifer Elliott, challenging each student in her class to create a small machine that could run on its own, and explain the math and science that made it work. He built a water wheel with old film canisters and straws that spun when he poured water in it. “Miss Elliott gave us an open-ended problem and said, ‘Show me what you can do,’” says Alex. This was one of many assignments at York that encouraged him to use his curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills to design, create, test and evaluate solutions.

After graduating from York, Alex attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a BASc in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Structural Engineering. As an associate at two structural engineering firms, he worked with teams that were responsible for converting an outdated, asbestos-filled hospital into a safe and modern fracture clinic; designing a new terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City; and a variety of other challenging projects.

With his experience and expertise from working at large engineering firms, Alex founded his own structural engineering consulting practice in 2025. Today he works closely with homeowners, architects, designers and contractors to deliver guidance from early design through to construction. 

“There's an immense amount of satisfaction in knowing that my design is what's going to keep my client and their family safe and sound and protected, and that the home itself is going to be good forever,” says Alex. In addition to loving the complex engineering challenges that he currently tackles, Alex appreciates the autonomy and work-life balance that come with having his own business. 

In November 2025, Alex and five other alumni participated in “The Engineering Roadmap” event, organized by York’s University Counselling and Alumni Engagement teams. Read more about that experience here.

Pictured: Photo #1 - Alex Dason '07 and his son visit one of his projects; Photo #2 - Alex (far left) with classmates on a school trip.
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