AECOM and SMU Partner to Invest in Future of AI Infrastructure Talent

The partnership aims to advance AI-driven research, workforce readiness, and long-term talent development in infrastructure engineering.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a complex AI-powered infrastructure control system, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate circuitry and data flows, conceptually representing the advanced technology and talent development at the heart of this partnership.A strategic partnership between AECOM and SMU aims to advance AI research and talent development for the infrastructure of the future.Dallas Today

Dallas-based global infrastructure leader AECOM has announced a strategic partnership with Southern Methodist University that aims to advance artificial intelligence-driven research, workforce readiness, and long-term talent development in infrastructure engineering. The partnership will build on AECOM's expertise and SMU's academic leadership, including a doctoral fellowship program within SMU's Lyle School of Engineering focused on applying AI to complex infrastructure challenges.

Why it matters

The partnership reflects the growing importance of AI and advanced technology in the future of infrastructure delivery, as well as the need to cultivate a pipeline of skilled talent to apply these innovations. By linking academic research to real-world industry challenges, the program aims to create a seamless path from discovery to commercial impact.

The details

The fellowship program will support PhD and Doctor of Engineering candidates whose research focuses on applying AI to complex infrastructure challenges. Fellows will work closely with SMU faculty and AECOM technical leaders on 'complex, high‑value engineering challenges with real commercial application,' drawing on AECOM's expertise and client experience to link academic discovery directly to industry. The partnership will be guided by a joint advisory board comprising representatives from both AECOM and SMU.

  • The partnership was announced at the Industry Innovation Summit 2026, hosted by the SMU Lyle Center for Digital and Human‑Augmented Manufacturing.

The players

AECOM

A Dallas-based global infrastructure leader with deep domain expertise and experience delivering complex infrastructure solutions.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

A private research university in Dallas, Texas, known for its academic leadership and research excellence, particularly through its Lyle School of Engineering.

Troy Rudd

The Chairman and CEO of AECOM.

Dr. Nader Jalili

The Mary and Richard Templeton Dean of the Lyle School of Engineering at SMU.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Building the infrastructure of tomorrow requires more than technology, it requires people with the skills, vision, and leadership to apply it responsibly and at scale.”

— Troy Rudd, Chairman and CEO, AECOM

“Preparing the next generation of engineers means closing the gap between academic research and real world application. Through this partnership, our doctoral fellows will be co-mentored by SMU faculty and AECOM technical leaders on real commercial applications.”

— Dr. Nader Jalili, Mary and Richard Templeton Dean, Lyle School of Engineering, SMU

What’s next

The partnership will be guided by a joint advisory board comprising representatives from both AECOM and SMU, and the program aims to create a seamless pipeline where students translate academic discovery into immediate industry impact.

The takeaway

This collaboration between a leading infrastructure firm and a top engineering school highlights the critical role of universities and industry in developing the next generation of talent to apply advanced technologies like AI to solve complex infrastructure challenges and support the communities of the future.