A Bridge to Opportunity: Morgan Students Join Key Bridge Rebuild Project

In the wake of one of Maryland’s most significant infrastructure challenges, three outstanding students from Morgan State University’s Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering have been selected to be part of the solution. Civil engineering majors Joshua Monmouth (senior), Bobbie Lowe Hunt (junior), and Kihanna Williams (sophomore) have secured highly sought-after paid internships with the Key Bridge Rebuild Project, placing them at the heart of one of the most ambitious infrastructure recovery efforts in the nation.

The students will work alongside professionals from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and project stakeholders to support the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. The bridge tragically collapsed on March 26, 2024, after being struck by a cargo vessel.

For the Morgan interns, it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience with real-world impact, as they work alongside professional engineers and public sector leaders on a massive undertaking that combines technical precision with civic responsibility. As a part of this effort, they will enhance their knowledge of infrastructure development, project management, and delivery—skills that will not only shape their post-graduation careers but also contribute to reshaping the future of transportation in Maryland.

The Key Bridge Rebuild Project is utilizing the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method, which fosters continuous collaboration between the project owner, designers, and builders from its earliest stages. Unlike traditional project approaches, PDB overlaps the design and construction phases, offering enhanced flexibility, improved innovation, and faster delivery, making it an ideal fit for an urgent and complex rebuild like the Key Bridge.

Set for completion by mid-2029, the rebuild aims to restore a vital link in Maryland’s transportation network and raise the bar for infrastructure resilience, safety, and design. For Morgan’s interns, it’s a unique opportunity to be part of history in the making.

“This internship reflects their dedication and the quality of their Morgan State education,” said Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., dean of the Mitchell School of Engineering. “We are immensely proud of Bobbie, Joshua, and Kihanna. We are confident they will excel and contribute meaningfully to this transformative project.”

The students’ selection for this opportunity underscores the strength of Morgan’s engineering programs and the University’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Mitchell School of Engineering is rising in prominence as a training ground for the next generation of infrastructure innovators and problem-solvers. Through experiential learning opportunities like this one, Morgan continues to affirm its role in preparing talented students

For Monmouth, Hunt, and Williams, the internship is more than a résumé booster or just about building a bridge—it’s about building their futures and contributing to a historic project that will impact millions.