HDR’s Maryam Bostani Named to Canadian Consulting Engineer’s Top 10 Under 40

Maryam Bostani, Ph.D., who leads the application of artificial intelligence for bridges and structures at HDR, is one of the recipients of the Canadian Consulting Engineer’s Top 10 Under 40 Awards program. The magazine recognizes promising young professional engineers working as consultants in the infrastructure field.

A registered professional engineer in Canada, Bostani has 16 years of combined research and industry experience in applying AI to complex engineering challenges. She has become widely recognized for her cutting-edge research developing AI-based bridge management systems that enhance life-cycle planning and support data-informed investment decisions.

HDR is applying this approach to support condition-based planning across a large bridge portfolio for a state transportation agency. The approach has broader potential for federal, state and local agencies responsible for managing large bridge inventories and prioritizing limited infrastructure funding. 

“Maryam saw early how artificial intelligence could strengthen bridge management and turned that vision into practical solutions that are helping our clients make more informed decisions,” said HDR Transportation Technology Director Cameron Schaefer. “Her ability to connect deep technical expertise with real infrastructure needs exemplifies the kind of innovation that creates lasting value for our clients and communities.”

Beyond her project work, Bostani is widely sought out for her leadership, insight and technical expertise. She is active on numerous AI-focused committees in the United States and Canada, including within the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), and the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC).

“I am extremely honored to be recognized with this award,” Bostani said. “This recognition gave me a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on the challenges, setbacks and opportunities that have shaped my journey. I am deeply grateful to my family, mentors and colleagues at HDR for their support, guidance, trust and collaboration.”

Read more about Bostani in the July/August edition of Canadian Consulting Engineer.