Columbia Engineers Discuss Smart Streetscapes at Congressional Talk

Leading researchers from Columbia University and other institutions, in collaboration with Congressman Adriano Espaillat, gathered on Capitol Hill on July 23 to discuss the transformative potential of Columbia’s Engineering Research Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3).

CS3, funded by the National Science Foundation, works with public and private partners to enhance public safety, improve transportation, and enable new forms of digital support for cities’ physical infrastructures through AI, edge-cloud computing, and wireless systems. The discussion, titled “The Local Edge: AI Applications Driving U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness," highlighted how technology and data can be leveraged to transform the nation’s urban centers.

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The conversation was moderated by Andrew Smyth, director of CS3 and Robert A.W. and Christine S. Carleton Professor of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Panelists included Jason Hallstrom, professor and director of I-SENSE, department of electrical engineering and computer science, Florida Atlantic University; Peter Jin, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, Rutgers University; and Roxana Geambasu, associate professor of computer science, Columbia University.

Launched in 2022, CS3’s mission is to forge livable, safe, and inclusive communities through cutting-edge streetscape applications. CS3 also partners with industry, community groups, students and educators on collaborative initiatives, such as sponsoring student photo exhibits, hosting industry partner workshops, and engaging high-school STEM teachers through the Research Experience and Mentoring for Teachers (REM/RET) program. CS3 has also participated in the NYC Smart City Testbed Program to pilot emerging technologies that address urban challenges.

Lead Photo Caption: Profs. Roxana Geambasu and Andrew Smyth (center) participated in the congressional event.