Thornton Tomasetti’s CORE studio, Simply Rhino, Grimshaw Architects and KPF Architects on July 8-12 hosted the AECtech Symposium and Hackathon, a virtual event that studied innovations from the UK design and construction industry. Global attendees spent two days taking part in workshops, pioneering new technology in a 27-hour hackathon and listening to presentations from industry leaders—all online. Each presenter showcased how advances in technology and work culture are shifting the way projects are designed, developed and delivered and spoke about emerging trends in the industry.

Jemima Pierre of West Orange, N.J., is one of three students who began the fall semester at Howard University with scholarship money from the Beyer Blinder Belle Foundation. Pierre and other awardees each received $10,000 from the foundation’s new scholarship program that benefits Howard’s College of Engineering and Architecture. She is studying in an accelerated master’s degree program and plans to work on initiatives for affordable housing in underserved communities.