C2SMART congratulates Ph.D. candidate Jingqin Gao, who has been awarded the WTS Beverley Swaim Staley Leadership Legacy Scholarship by the WTS Greater New York Chapter. The award is presented annually to an outstanding young woman pursuing graduate studies working toward a career in transportation or a related field, and who demonstrates a specific interest in advancing transportation innovation in the international arena. The WTS Foundation aims to grow the transportation industry through the global advancement of women through numerous initiatives, including scholarships that encourage and enable women to further their careers as leaders in the field.

Jingqin is currently completing her Ph.D. in Transportation Planning and Engineering at NYU Tandon and works on several projects as a research assistant at C2SMART. Her research interests include simulation modeling, data-driven and machine learning approach for transportation, emerging technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicle applications to help visually impaired people, and transportation economics. She also serves as the president of NYU’s joint ITE and ITS Student Chapter, through which she has organized various company visits, tech talks, women in transportation events and the 2019 ITE Northeastern District Traffic Bowl.

The award will be presented at the Fall WTS Gala in New York City. Jingqin will also be entered into the WTS International pool for consideration in the National Leadership Legacy Scholarship for Graduates competition.