TEPM 047: Expert Ways Project Management Drives Success in Zero-Emission Transit

In this episode, I talk with Erica Antoine, P.E., project manager at Burns Engineering, Inc., about the challenges and advancements in zero-emission transit and how project management plays a crucial role in driving sustainability in transit projects. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Erica: How long did it take you to go from intern to project manager? What has been your most challenging transit project, and how did you overcome the challenges? Does warm weather help preserve battery life for zero-emission transit vehicles, and what new technologies in your field excite you most? How do you integrate project management strategies into complex transit projects to ensure they meet sustainability and carbon emissions goals? As a mentor and leader, how do you encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields? How does incorporating an artistic perspective into project management enhance problem-solving and innovation? Can you share a mentoring success story and explain how you blend your different roles effectively? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Expert Ways Project Management Drives Success in Zero-Emission Transit: Erica transitioned from intern to project manager approximately five to seven years after graduating from college. Erica's most challenging transit project was modernizing a century-old bus garage. She tackled it by integrating new technology, addressing regional weather impacts on zero-emission buses, and staying flexible with rapidly advancing technology and safety standards while meeting community needs. Warm weather can help preserve battery life for zero-emission transit vehicles by improving charging efficiency and reducing cold-related strain on batteries. In terms of new technologies, advancements in battery density and recycling, along with smart infrastructure innovations for optimized transit operations, are particularly exciting. To ensure complex transit projects meet sustainability and carbon emissions goals, project management involves understanding needs, assessing environmental impacts, and setting clear objectives. Designing with flexibility and monitoring progress are crucial for success. As a mentor and leader, encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers involves setting an example, advocating for policy changes, and actively mentoring through programs or volunteering. These efforts inspire and empower the next generation to achieve their goals in STEM fields and beyond. Incorporating an artistic perspective into project management enhances problem-solving and innovation by promoting creativity and encouraging exploration of unconventional ideas, leading to more diverse and innovative solutions. Erica assisted a young engineer through a challenging project while managing her regular duties, showing the importance of prioritization and effective time management. Through structured scheduling and clear communication, she ensured both the mentee's development and the ongoing project's success. More Details in This Episode… About Erica Antoine, P.E. Erica Antoine, P.E., is a distinguished engineer specializing in public transit projects across the Northeast Corridor. With over 15 years of experience, she has managed numerous transit station improvement projects for notable agencies like Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ TRANSIT, showcasing her expertise in engineering design, project phasing, and operations, all with a focus on sustainability and carbon reduction. A licensed professional engineer, Erica's work significantly contributes to modernizing outdated facilities to support new technologies and the demands of urban environments.