My name is Anne Marie Sowder, Assistant Professor in the Department of Construction Management and Civil Engineering.
(Teaching) Constructing the Built Environment
I specialize in the analysis of building techniques and project delivery in service of creating a stronger and more resilient built environment. I draw from my work experience, network of peers, and research to develop courses that contribute to:
- student readiness for employment
- lifelong learning
- professional credentialing
- appreciation for the creative joy of building
My research interests center on construction and construction history with special attention to sustainability, resilience, and post-disaster rebuilding (PDR). I use historical research, reality capture, mapping, digital imaging, and Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) in my research.
Looking for my PARSE Teaching Portfolio? Click here. If you’d like to see a more interactive, online Teaching Portfolio, click here.
The latest
Mentoring undergraduate researcher spring 2022 – Calvin Walters Jr. – continuing his research working with me on the project, “The Living Breakwaters PDR Efforts, Conceptual Schedule.”
CMCE Career Week October 18-22 – Event Chair, recruited 30+ organizarions with 150+ registrations so far. Find out more here: Career Week Resources – CMCE Career (cuny.edu)
Mentoring new undergraduate research team fall 2021 – Aalaa Mohammed, Jude Vallon, Calvin Walters Jr., and Kalalie Flomo – working with me on the project, “Investigating Project Success Factors in Post-Disaster Rebuilding Efforts in NYC”
Presented at the Center for Advanced Construction Information Modeling, October 2021: “Framework for Recovery: Use of HBIM and GIS Technology to Document Hurricane Resilience in the Upper Florida Keys.”
Successful authoring of ABET Self Study Report for Construction Engineering Technology BTech re-accreditation (2017-2021)
My mentee / student researcher, Aalaa Mohammed won the prize for best STEM poster at the 33rd Semi-Annual Dr. Janet Liou-Mark Honors and Undergraduate Research Scholars Poster Presentation for her work “Benefits of Pre-Construction Analysis: CET Senior Capstone Expands Understanding of an Urban Refuge at GallopNYC Sunrise Stables” (fall 2020)
Geospatial data collection in progress for New Deal Post-Disaster Rebuilding (PDR) project. Data-rich HBIM to be generated through laser reality capture and drone survey with implications for PDR as well as historical preservation of site.
CMCE Career website launched – with resources for students and alumni. CMCE Career – Career Information and Opportunities for Construction Management and Civil Engineering Students and Graduates (cuny.edu) Site featured in article of October’s OpenLab “In the Spotlight”: In the Spotlight: CMCE Career Site – The Open Road (cuny.edu)
Doctoral Candidate! (Candidacy exams passed Spring 2021; Ph.D. studies began fall 2018)
Teaching construction management means engaging with a range of topics including safety, design and engineering, materials and building techniques, project planning and logistics, labor and management, cost control and accounting, budgeting and estimating, technology, governance, and many others!
Delivering content aligned with our program and our alumni career goals
I teach in the Department of Construction Management and Civil Engineering technology (CMCE). One of the college’s four original departments in 1947 (then the Structural Technology Department), CMCE has since clarified and expanded its offerings, including degree programs in Construction Management Technology unique in the City University of New York system. The department now offers an ABET-accredited Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor of Technology degree (CET).
CMCE currently offers the following programs:
- In the Civil Engineering Technology associate degree program (CE AAS), our focus is on the fundamental concepts and technical skills required to create a wide range of career paths in the civil engineering profession. We balance practical knowledge with theory and encourage a lifetime of learning and leadership. Students are made aware of their ethical, social, and legal responsibilities as practicing professionals in this people serving profession.
- In the Construction Management associate degree program (CM AAS), we prepare students for success within the professional practice of construction management. This preparation includes an understanding of the design, engineering, business, and technical principles and practices used in the construction industry. As future leaders in the construction industry, students are made aware of their ethical, social, and legal responsibilities as practicing professionals.
- In the Construction Engineering Technology bachelor degree program CET BTech), students are trained to enter a professional field which requires designing, planning, construction, and management of infrastructure. Construction engineers are a hybrid between civil engineers and construction managers. Coursework focuses on the design as well as the construction management of highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams and utilities. This allows our graduates to understand both the design processes as well as the building requirements needed to design and build today’s infrastructure, particularly in New York City.
- Students in Construction Management Certificate are usually students from other programs or working professionals who are seeking a credential that reflects education in Construction Management.
I represent the Construction Management profession among the full time faculty in our department and I specialize in building construction. My professional background comes from commercial building construction in New York City.
Buildings-specific content is important to our student body. Over half of our alumni report working in the buildings sector.
Sample projects from professional portfolio of construction management services.
Teaching visual communication by communicating visually
Pictures are some of the most powerful tools we have for communicating and problem solving in the construction industry. Construction drawings and schedules are some of the most familiar visual tools we use when building, but graduates working in construction technology should be prepared to communicate to colleagues and clients visually using a range of software, web platforms, mapping tools, and graphics. Every class I teach introduces students to a range of methods of communication and gives them the opportunity to practice.
Below is a mixed gallery of presentations I have created while at City Tech spanning teaching, research, and presentations. I strive to create strong and simple visuals to convey information and answer questions.
