In a Tuesday session of the CaSE Careers class—CaSE being short for the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering—senior systems engineering student, Maya Mann, delivered a presentation that stood out for its unique focus on the role of systems engineering in urban and sustainable planning. Taught by Senior Lecturer and Director of the Master’s Program in Civil Engineering, Cristopher Moen, the class offers students the chance to explore various engineering career paths, with Tuesday classes focused on civil engineering topics. Mann’s presentation shed light on how advanced technologies like AI and data science, topics she’s learned about during her classes and research with the Gardner Lab, are transforming urban planning, infrastructure, and sustainability.
“In recent years, the emergence AI, data science, and other digital tools have allowed traditional engineering firms to better understand how interconnected systems work together and then use that information to make more informed planning choices,” Mann said to her fellow classmates. As a senior nearing graduation, Mann’s insights reflect a practical and forward-thinking approach to civil and systems engineering, one that emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements.
Drawing from her own experiences of nearly three years of research in the Gardner Lab, Mann chose to present on this topic. It was in the Gardner Lab where she was first introduced to computational methods—or modeling techniques that are used to solve scientific and mathematical problems—that sparked her interest in using digital tools in civil engineering. She also spent her summer working with engineering firm Mead & Hunt, gaining hands-on modeling experience and digitizing some of the company’s processes using the programming language Python.
In her presentation, Mann explained how digital tools can improve urban planning in key areas such as traffic engineering, infrastructure, and public transportation. She cited examples of how some integrated engineering companies are using AI for predictive traffic flow analysis, where algorithms can forecast traffic patterns using GPS and sensor data, enabling planners to manage congestion more effectively. Similarly, data science is being used to identify urban heat islands, where temperatures are higher due to concrete and asphalt, to implement green space or cooling infrastructure improvements.
For her peers, Mann’s presentation not only showcased the possibilities within urban planning but also underscored the skills future urban planners would need in their careers.
“Understanding traditional approaches to designing and planning physical systems is important, but so is knowing how to digitize that information and use tools like ArcGIS and machine learning to ensure multiple systems are working together in the most beneficial and efficient way,” she said.
Mann’s presentation resonated with her peers, many of whom are also exploring diverse career paths as they near the end of their undergraduate studies in civil and systems engineering. Her talk is part of a broader initiative within the CaSE Careers class to prepare students for post-graduation life by exposing them to different sectors, from consulting and industry to government and academia.
In addition to these presentations, CaSE Careers offers students opportunities beyond the classroom. They visit design offices and construction sites, attend professional society meetings, and discuss professional issues like engineering ethics and licensure. These experiences, along with presentations from their peers, give them a well-rounded view of future opportunities.
For Mann and her fellow seniors, CaSE Careers is more than just a required class—it’s a way to prepare for real-world applications of their studies and the future of civil and systems engineering.