<p><span class="p-body">Our aging infrastructure – bridges, highways, water systems, and the energy grid – is a growing concern in the US. Civil engineers continuously explore ways to better access, evaluate, and improve the safety of our critical infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One innovative way that is rising in interest involves artificial intelligence (AI). To help <a href="https://aren.ai/">Aren AI </a>, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider, raise awareness of its AI-based civil infrastructure management platform for engineering firms and asset owners, it turned to the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS).</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Under the faculty leadership of <a href="/content/sps-nyu/faculty-directory/15086-michael-m-durand.html">Michael Durand,</a> an adjunct assistant professor in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business.html">NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business</a>, a team of <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-public-relations-and-corporate-communication.html">MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication</a> students in a practicum class created a comprehensive marketing communications plan for Aren AI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As part of the practicum, the students conducted a Qualtrics study on America’s views on the safety of our infrastructure, incorporating the results into the final presentation of their plan. They also recommended a comprehensive thought leadership program, including meetings with public officials and infrastructure owners and targeted media outreach campaigns.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">“Both Aren AI’s COO, Edgar Martinez Ceja, and I were very impressed that the NYU SPS practicum students quickly gained familiarity with the complex nature of infrastructure inspection and use of artificial intelligence in infrastructure safety,” said Lisa Diaz, founder and managing partner of Turf Advisory, and a business advisor and investor in Aren AI. “The students conducted original research on Americans’ attitudes toward AI and developed thoughtful and realistic strategies to address Aren AI’s communications and growth needs.”&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">NYU SPS consulting practicums give students applied learning experiences with real-world world partners, solving real-world issues and in real-world situations.</span></p>