Columbia University’s Master of Science in Construction Administration recently launched a new course to complement its forward looking curriculum. “Infrastructure Megaproject Management and Delivery” arrives on campus as the recently enacted “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” begins to impact the construction industry.
Instructors Patrick Askew and Eve Michel each bring specific experience to the classroom, having managed and delivered some of the most transformative infrastructure projects that have reshaped New York City.
As part of the course students will meet and be taught by prominent lecturers who have been involved in building some of New York City’s most significant infrastructure Megaprojects. The course instructors and invited guests will showcase relevant Megaproject case studies, such as the World Trade Center, design and construction of the New York Mets’ Minor League Stadium, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Major Capital Infrastructure Program.
Eve Michel, licensed Architect and most recently Senior Vice President of MTA C&D and Chief Architect for MTACC, has contributed to numerous projects across the city including the Penn Station Access project.
Patrick Askew, MSCE, MBA is currently the Executive Vice President for McKissack & McKissack and serves as the Deputy Director for the New JFK Terminal One Project.
A robust infrastructure network is a critical element for a modern economy’s ability to create wealth and cultivate regional economic development and cultivate job creation.
Patrick Askew sees this course as a timely and important offering. “Studies have concluded that a significant contributor to a nation’s economic prosperity, public safety, and quality of life is supported by the nation’s infrastructure. A robust infrastructure network is a critical element for a modern economy’s ability to create wealth and cultivate regional economic development and cultivate job creation. Over the last two decades, the United States has seen an increase in the development and construction of what have now been coined as megaprojects.”
Students will have the opportunity to examine case studies, as taught by industry professionals, scholar-practitioners who have direct experience in dealing with the challenges and dynamics in the planning for and delivery of major, public infrastructure projects - bringing a unique and grounded perspective to megaproject management and delivery. Managing such public works projects in a responsible, equitable and effective manner is essential to maintaining the public’s trust, and is the essence of this course.
Eve Michel anticipates how this course can change the way we manage such complex and impactful projects. “We will assess the environmental and social impacts of infrastructure projects, including addressing the ethical dimensions of public works projects – how the administration of megaprojects can work towards more equitable and inclusive engagement in the communities which these projects serve.”
