Surprising AI Innovations That Make Smart Cities Better – Ep 037

March 4, 2025

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In this episode, I talk with Megan Todaro, PE, project engineer at Pennoni, about how AI is transforming engineering, ranging from predictive maintenance to smart cities infrastructure. We explore engineering innovations with AI, real-world applications, and industry challenges that engineers face as technology evolves. The impact of AI transforming engineering is evident in many fields, and civil engineers are at the forefront of this change, particularly in the development of smart cities.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Megan:

What does a typical day look like for you as a project engineer in the municipal division at Pennoni?
Can you share insights on the innovative work you’ve done at Pennoni, particularly your role in overseeing the pavement and AI analysis partnership?
How do you manage short-term capital projects while also planning for long-term strategic initiatives in your role?
Which road management or park improvement projects have stood out to you, and what made them significant?
How have federal, state, and local grants impacted your ability to deliver municipal projects, and what advice do you have for engineers seeking project funding?
How do resilience and confidence play a role in your daily work and personal life?
How has volunteering and staying connected with your alma mater influenced your career and personal growth?
What advice would you give to young women engineers on adapting and succeeding in a field evolving with advancements in AI and other emerging technologies?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Surprising AI Innovations That Will Make Smart Cities Better:

Smart cities rely on municipal engineering to improve infrastructure and public spaces through strategic planning and funding initiatives. AI is transforming engineering by making these processes more efficient and reliable, ensuring that cities become more sustainable and technologically advanced.
Traditional road assessment methods rely on manual inspections, making the process time-consuming and inconsistent. However, artificial intelligence in engineering now enables municipalities to use AI-powered data-driven solutions, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and decision-making in smart cities infrastructure planning.
AI in civil engineering is revolutionizing infrastructure projects by offering predictive analysis, helping cities plan for future development more effectively. AI is transforming engineering by enabling professionals to anticipate potential issues before they arise, leading to smarter project planning for smart cities.
Municipal engineers play a vital role in overseeing AI-integrated infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance, and addressing engineering needs within local governments. The adoption of AI in municipal projects improves sustainability and success rates, helping smart cities grow efficiently.
Grant funding is essential for smart cities infrastructure improvements, and engineers must align project goals with funding opportunities while clearly communicating their objectives. AI is transforming engineering by streamlining grant application processes and optimizing project selection through data-driven insights.
Confidence, strong communication, and professional growth are key to career success, particularly for women in engineering fields undergoing AI-driven transformations in smart cities development.
Volunteering and mentorship introduce students to potential career paths and provide networking opportunities to support the next generation of engineers specializing in smart cities and AI.
Effective communication skills are critical for engineers who want to build trust, improve collaboration, and drive engineering innovations with AI. The role of AI in transforming engineering and project management in smart cities cannot be overstated.

More Details in This Episode…

About Megan Todaro, PE

Megan graduated from The College of New Jersey (“TCNJ”) in 2015 and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. Upon graduation, she went to work for Pennoni Associates in their municipal division in West Chester, PA. To further her education and career progression, while working at Pennoni she attended Villanova University part-time and earned a master of science degree in civil engineering in 2020. Megan is now a project engineer with Pennoni Associates and continues to serve in the municipal division. She works with multiple municipalities in Delaware and Chester counties as their township engineer. In this role, her main responsibilities are to build, plan, and execute on the municipalities short-term capital projects and long-term strategic plans. Megan has extensive experience in road program management and park improvement projects, as well as a financial lens for obtaining funding through federal, state and local grants. In addition, Megan helps oversee Pennoni’s pavement and AI analysis road partnerships to merge technical specification and next-gen technologies.

Outside of work, Megan continues to volunteer for various activities with her alma matters, Springfield High School, TCNJ, and Villanova. She grew up in Springfield, PA, and is the oldest of three siblings. Further, she is an avid golfer, kick boxer, and Philadelphia sports fan.

About the Host: Rebecca Swabey, P.Eng.

Rebecca is a professional engineer who transitioned into the role of a tech startup founder. With ten years of experience in the civil consulting industry, specializing in water resources engineering and land development, she co-founded Equator Studios in 2018. The company enhances efficiency and quality for civil firms in the early stages of projects by providing better access to LiDAR and proposal automation tools. Based in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca enjoys hiking along the Grand River, experimenting with pizza recipes, and spending time with her two dogs.