Meet Prudhvi Raj Doode

Prudhvi Raj Doode was one of two engineering interns who rode every mile of greenway in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County this summer to capture photos of the paved trail surfaces. This data collection was the first step toward creating a standardized system to evaluate and monitor pavement conditions alongside all greenway maintenance partners. The goal: develop a uniform, preventative maintenance plan across the region to identify issues early, reduce repair costs, extend the trail’s lifespan, and ensure greenway users enjoy smoother walks and rides.

“This was not your typical engineering internship. It was great to work outdoors and ride all the greenways—except for a few really hot days! We had a four-month window to gather this data but quickly realized adjustments were needed to finish on time. Our solution? Helmet-mounted 360-degree GoPro cameras snapping 2 sec time lapse images. At day’s end, we aligned each picture to its exact map location. Using the PASER pavement evaluation method, we graded each mile on a 1-10 scale, checking for cracks, potholes, drainage, flaking, chipping, and other surface issues. It was a true team effort, and we completed the project in just two months instead of four!

“I’m proud to have contributed to a project that will support long-term maintenance of these vital regional trails. It also helped me refine my career goals. Once I complete my Master of Science in Civil Engineering, I aim to find a role that combines creativity, environmental stewardship, and community-focused engineering.”