In partnership with Columbia University’s Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) Master of Science Program, STV recently provided a select group of students with a first-hand view of project management in action by conducting the class at the firm’s New York office.

Marilisa Stigliano, vice president and director of project support, and a CEM master’s program alumna, teaches Columbia’s Industry Field Studies course, while Elisabetta Barzi, digital advisory specialist, provides additional mentorship and support to the class. Together, the duo recently concluded the fall semester, which included utilizing STV’s current experience performing resident engineering inspection (REI) services for the East Coast Resiliency project in New York, as a key part of the syllabus.

“The structure of this course is so beneficial for students,” said Stigliano. “They get to see firsthand how we deliver projects at STV and learn the differences between traditional and agile project management. Students also interact directly with our subject matter experts. I am thankful to be part of such a supportive firm, surrounded by colleagues who take time to educate and encourage students in our industry.”

The East Coast Resiliency project is a multiyear initiative to reduce flood risks along 2.4 miles of existing waterfront on the East Side of Manhattan. During the Fall semester, Stigliano and Barzi connected students with project team members who discussed resilience and REI work.

“I’m honored to support these students along their career paths,” Barzi said. “Helping facilitate this course has been a wonderful experience: as much as they learn from us, we learn from them. I’m extremely excited for the next semester, which will be focused on agile management. We will have the chance to expose them to the technology world and our Digital Advisory team.”