Built to Last: How Civil Engineers Shape the Cities of Tomorrow

In this two-minute micro-podcast, host Jonathan Hermida breaks down the hidden systems that keep modern cities safe, efficient, and resilient. From adaptive traffic signals to flood-proof infrastructure and stronger, smarter buildings, Built to Last explores how civil engineers blend creativity, technology, and problem-solving to tackle today’s biggest urban challenges.Perfect for students, future engineers, or anyone curious about how cities really work.Check out these sites for more information. McLean, D., Rachal, M., & Zukowski, D. (2021, November 9). Smart city evolution: How cities have stepped back from a ‘tech arms race’. Smart Cities Dive. https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/smart-city-evolution-how-cities-have-stepped-back-from-a-tech-arms-race/609732/Federal Highway Administration. (n.d.). Adaptive signal control—Everyday Counts. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc-1/asct.cfmMitchell, M. M. (2025, September 1). Civil engineering is evolving. Civil Engineering Magazine. https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/civil-engineering-magazine/issues/magazine-issue/article/2025/09/civil-engineering-is-evolvingTuchman, J. L. (2024, March 25). A call to action to design ‘future-ready’ buildings. Engineering News-Record. https://www.enr.com/articles/58367-a-call-to-action-to-design-future-ready-buildingsAmerican Society of Civil Engineers. (2025, March 14). It doesn’t have to be like this: The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card as a resilience tool before disaster strikes. Civil Engineering Source. https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2025/03/14/it-doesnt-have-to-be-like-this-the-asce-infrastructure-report-card-as-a-resilience-tool-before-disaster-strikes