Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of the talented women at Urban who play a vital role in shaping the communities we serve.

We’re excited to highlight Madelyn Marquardt, EIT. Madelyn is committed to continuous learning and contributing to projects that enhance safety and connectivity. In the Q&A below, Madelyn shares her journey into engineering, her experiences at Urban, and what excites her most about her work.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

My family played a huge role in introducing me to engineering. I’ve always enjoyed math and science, but it was their encouragement that really sparked my interest. I realized that engineering was a perfect way to blend my skills and passions while also having a positive impact on others.

Can you describe your role at Urban?

I'm an Engineer in Training (EIT) at Urban, focusing on designing reinforced concrete and steel bridges for PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. I also help with hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses and plan set reviews. Outside of my role, I volunteer as the secretary for Urban's Younger Members Forum (UYMF). I really enjoy helping organize social events, outreach activities, and professional development opportunities for our younger team members. It's a great way to connect and foster growth within the company.

What projects have you worked on at Urban that you are most proud of?

I’m currently working on a bridge rehabilitation project for PennDOT, District 4-0, in Lackawanna County. The project involves improving the bridge deck, repairing sections of the sidewalk, and making accessibility upgrades. It’s been a great learning experience, especially with some of the unique design challenges we’ve encountered. What I enjoy most about this project is the strong collaboration within my team at Urban. Seeing everyone come together to find solutions and support one another is rewarding.

How does your work at Urban contribute to infrastructure and community development?

Bridges are vital to our infrastructure, linking communities and enabling connections that keep people and places together. In the past two years, Pennsylvania has repaired more bridges in poor condition than any other state. I am proud to contribute to the effort to improve our infrastructure and increase safety for the residents in the state I have always called home.

What is a recent or ongoing project at Urban that excites you, and why?

One project that excites me is the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s Scranton Beltway Project, which connects I-81 and I-476 at the Clarks Summit and Wyoming Valley interchanges. What makes this project exciting is the opportunity to collaborate with multiple departments and tackle new design challenges. It’s a chance to work on more complex designs from start to finish, learn new software, and expand my skill set—all of which will help me grow as I work toward becoming a professional engineer.

How does Urban support your professional growth?

Urban encourages staff to have a healthy work-life balance and to pursue a wide range of different opportunities. My colleagues have ensured that I am exposed to diverse projects and have been a source of support as I tackle new challenges. They have also encouraged me to engage with professional organizations like WTS and volunteer with initiatives such as the Future City Program to expand my network.