This month we celebrate 20 of the nation’s top graduate students in transportation. These future leaders were selected by Eno’s Board of Regents to come to Washington, DC for a week and receive a first-hand look at how national transportation policies are developed. The Eno Future Leaders Development Conference is designed for students in transportation-related programs, including engineering, planning, public policy, public administration, economics, management, and law. Eno Fellows demonstrate leadership ability and the potential to assume a senior role in a transportation-related organization in the future. Congratulations to the Eno Future Leaders Development Conference class of 2016!
(Ed. note: You can learn more about Eno’s Future Leaders Development Conference Program here)
Ms. Tanya Allen
Receiving a masters degree in community planning from the University of Maryland. Currently a graduate research assistant with the Maryland Department of Transportation, and has been a research intern at the DC Department of Transportation. Prior to graduate school, was a Foreign Service Officer with the US Department of State, where she served in Macedonia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Bachelor’s degree in political science from Williams College, and a former Fulbright Fellow at Finland’s University of Helsinki.
“I developed several strong convictions…These include the belief that a government’s success is highly correlated with its ability to provide its citizens with an efficient and effective transportation system, and that equitable investments in transportation infrastructure pay economic and social dividends.”
Mr. Alexis Biddle
Simultaneously receiving a law degree and a masters degree in community and regional planning from the University of Oregon. Currently a Hatfield Resident Fellow with the Oregon Department of Transportation, as well as a graduate research fellow with the Sustainable Cities Initiative and Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center. A member of the city of Eugene’s Sustainability Commission. Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kent State University.
“Understanding the work of leaders in Washington, DC, will contextualize much of the background I have learned on paper. These connections will catalyze my work towards a more livable, fair, and environmentally responsible transportation system.”
Mr. Marcus Brewer
Receiving a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. Currently an associate research engineer with Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Roadway Design Program; has worked at the institute in various capacities since 2000. Has served on a number of committees within the Transportation Research Board; won the D. Grant Mickle Award at the TRB’s 2015 annual meeting. Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas.
“I returned to graduate school because I wanted to learn new skills and new applications for my interests and efforts, continuing to contribute to a better transportation system for the future.”
Mr. Jack Cebe
Simultaneously receiving masters degrees in city and regional planning, and civil and environmental engineering, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Currently a graduate research assistant at the School of City and Regional Planning and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; formerly a senior planner and landscape architect with the Chicago-based Alta Planning + Design. Recently held a Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship with the US Department of Transportation. Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Clemson University.
“I have recognized that transportation is something we depend on every day, and if we can make it work better, it can have a transformative impact on our lives, our communities, the economy, and the environment.”
Mr. Adam Davidson
Receiving a Ph.D. in earth and environmental sciences from the City University of New York. Currently a Quantitative Reasoning Fellow at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, as well as a research associate at CUNY’s Center for Urban Research. Formerly worked as an analyst for the MTA. Master’s degree in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and bachelor’s degree in political science and environmental studies from Tulane University.
“For over 10 years, I have been studying, researching, and working towards the goal of building the sustainable city. What began as an interest in environmental policy morphed into a growing expertise on transportation systems and the desire to have a strategic influence on their future.”
Mr. Michael Hyland
Receiving a Ph.D. in transportation systems analysis and planning from Northwestern University. Currently researching grain industry dynamics and rail service, and has worked on several other externally funded research projects since 2013. Received Northwestern’s Walter P. Murphy Fellowship. Master’s degree in transportation systems engineering and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, both from Cornell University.
“Transportation is a critical component in obtaining a more sustainable and equitable society. My ultimate professional goal is to achieve a position to facilitate and implement high-quality, sustainable transportation options available to all persons in urban and suburban areas.”
Ms. Bernadette Lambert
Receiving a master’s degree in transportation management from San Jose State University. Has worked for BART since 2004, currently serving as program manager for the Silicon Valley Extension; has also worked as an independent contractor for Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit. Founder and director of the BART Professional Development Working Group community of practice. Law degree from the University of San Francisco; bachelor’s degree in English literature from San Francisco State University.
“My head, heart, hands and health are directed toward contributing to the growth of the transit industry, from fostering the professional growth of individual colleagues to developing a tool that will contribute to local, state and nationwide policies.”
Ms. Jaimee Lederman (GAR Foundation Award Winner)
Receiving a Ph.D. in urban planning from UCLA. Currently a graduate student researcher on a UCConnect grant; also a research consultant at the Center for Collaboration in Government in Irvine. Formerly worked as an Antitrust Associate for Howrey, LLP in Washington, DC. Is a Sustainable LA Grand Challenge Policy Fellow. Law degree and master’s degree in economics from New York University; bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University.
“My career is dedicated to strengthening the often-ignored link between great ideas and their implementation…I bring to my studies an understanding of how law and governance interact to influence transportation planning decisions, as well as the ability to navigate the complexity of financing for transportation investment.”
Ms. Corinna Li
Receiving masters degrees in city planning and transportation from MIT. Currently a graduate research assistant and teaching assistant in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning; formerly interned with Uber, Parson Brinckerhoff, and in China’s Ministry of Transport Planning and Research Institute. Recently held a Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship with the US Department of Transportation. Bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics from Yale University.
“I want to devote my life to answering one big question: how can we catalyze transportation innovations to improve accessibility and mobility in our cities, enhance social connectivity, and induce sustainable lifestyles?”
Ms. Joanna Moody
Receiving a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary program in transportation from MIT. Currently a graduate research assistant in MIT’s Regional Transportation Planning and High-Speed Rail Research Group, as well as in the JTL urban mobility lab. Formerly worked as a travel demand forecasting intern at Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Recently held a Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship with the US Department of Transportation. Bachelor’s degree in math, physics, and Japanese from Bates College.
“My Masters research concerns new methods for describing and predicting possible coalition building amongst stakeholders surrounding large regional transportation projects.”
Ms. Michiko Morisaki
Receiving a master’s degree in city planning from San Diego State University. Currently a planning assistant with the San Diego Association of Governments; formerly a planning intern with the City of Santee (CA) Planning Department. Received the American Public Transportation Foundation’s Richard J. Bouchard Scholarship. Bachelor’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University.
“Whether people realize it or not, transportation affects everyone at the county, regional, and in San Diego, at a binational-level…With this in mind, my goal is to be part of the solution by ensuring that smart transportation choices are being made for our future generations.”
Receiving a Ph.D. in transportation engineering from the University of Arizona. Currently a research assistant in the university’s DynusT Lab; formerly a modeling intern with San Francisco County Transportation Authority, as well as a transportation planner with Tehran Paratransit Organization Research Center in Iran. Master’s degree in transportation engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
“I grew up in a large city with severe traffic congestion. Having faced long queues of vehicles, air and sound pollution, accidents, and tired and angry drivers every day on the streets made me a big fan of public transit.”
Ms. Lisa Rayle
Receiving a Ph.D. in city and regional planning from the University of California. Formerly a researcher in Harvard University’s Transforming Urban Transport project; also was an urban planning specialist for Light S.E.S.A. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as a research associate in MIT’s Portugal program. Served as a regional planner for the Peace Corps in Jamaica. Master’s degrees in city planning and transportation from MIT; bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Michigan.
“I want to apply what I’ve learned—and what I keep learning—to increase the likelihood that technological advances improve transportation for all a city’s residents.”
Ms. Alison Redenz
Receiving a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado, Denver. Currently a transportation planning intern with Denver’s Regional Transportation District; formerly worked as a municipal analyst with Azavar Technologies in Chicago. Received the American Planning Association Colorado’s Honor Award. Bachelor’s degree in urban and public affairs from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
“I want to truly understand how transportation policy is made and implemented, and become an ambassador of transportation progress.”
Ms. Atiyya Shaw (Eno Alumni Award Winner)
Receiving a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Currently a graduate research assistant with Georgia Tech’s Transportation Systems Engineering, and engaged in a mentored teaching practicum in traffic engineering. Formerly a roadway design intern with STV Group Inc., in Duluth, Ga. Master’s degrees in psychology and civil engineering, and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, all from Georgia Tech.
“For me, becoming a transportation engineer has singlehandedly been about the opportunity to positively impact individuals and communities through safe and well-planned transportation infrastructure and development.”
Ms. Ivana Tasic (Charles William Koch Award Winner)
Receiving her Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah. Since 2010, has been a graduate research assistant in the university’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Formerly worked as a transportation division intern with the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah; diploma in traffic and transport engineering from the University of Belgrade.
“Transportation influences our lives on a daily basis, but also shapes the image of our cities and regions. I’ve become interested in the role of research and its potential to influence the transformation of transportation policy towards creating safer and more sustainable systems.”
Mr. Arnold Valdez
Receiving a master’s degree in planning from the University of Southern California. Currently a research assistant with USC’s METRANS Transportation Center; formerly an intern with the Southern California Association of Governments, as well as a research assistant with USC’s Center for Sustainable Cities. Bachelor’s degree in geography from Brigham Young University.
“I have been passionate about transportation as long as I can remember.”
Mr. Anton Volov
Receiving a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. Currently a teaching assistant at Harvard. Formerly worked as a representative of Ukraine at Eurocontrol, Counselor to the Minister in Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure, and director general of the Kyiv-Boryspil State International Airport in Ukraine. Master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University; specialist degree in accounting and audit from Donetsk State University of Economics and Trade in Ukraine.
“I believe that developing transport infrastructure in Ukraine will help not only the local economy, but can make Ukraine a valuable partner to the big economies in the region, and I am eager to contribute to this process.”
Mr. Jonathan Wood (Dr. Thomas D. Larson Fellowship Winner)
Receiving a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Currently a graduate student instructor in Penn State’s CEE Department; formerly worked as a graduate research assistant in the same department. Received Student of the Year award from the Mid-Atlantic Universities Transportation Center. Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah.
“As a member of the transportation industry, I feel that it is my responsibility and opportunity to help positively influence people and communities that are served every day by the planning, design, operations, and maintenance of the transportation system.”
Ms. Ema Carol Yamamoto (WTS Scholarship Winner)
Currently an asset manager with the city of Philadelphia’s Streets Department. Formerly served as a project manager for the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities; prior to that was a planner/analyst in the same office. Named an Emerging Leader in Transportation Fellow by New York University’s Rudin Center. Master’s degree in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Cornell University.
“I truly enjoy that transportation is a derived demand, one that is required in order to do all of the other things people need to do or enjoy doing. Transportation connects people to employment, connects people to sustenance, and connects people to people.”
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