ALUMNI

Where are they now?

Haggai Davis, III

What was your journey to NYU/CS2MART?

"My undergrad was in physics and astronomy which I loved, but I knew it wasn't going to be my career. After some searching, I found transportation engineering, and I loved the practicality, problem solving, and groundedness of it. I got an MSCE and worked for an engineering consulting firm. In 2019, I moved to NYC knowing that I had the opportunity to become an expert in an emerging transportation field because of the resources here."

Can you describe any resources you used at NYU/C2SMART that best prepared you for your future?

"The opportunities and connections. Going to the ITSNY conference, going to TransporationCamp NYC, going to TRB, going to KAIST for a fellowship - each one allowed me to meet interesting people and develop both as an engineer and a person."

Can you tell us a bit about your current role and the responsibilities of your work/research?

"I am now a transportation planner/engineer at Arcadis, and I am helping to grow our innovative freight advisory practice. A lot of the ideas came from research that I did during my time at C2SMARTER, so its very rewarding to be able to bring the best and newest ideas to our clients to help improve the way that cities manage their last mile deliveries."

What advice would you give to the future graduating classes interested in entering the same type of role as you?

"Engineering consulting is trying to solve a different set of problems than academia. Academia is about figuring something out for the first time and then trying to explain why it is important. Consulting is figuring out what is already important and then trying to implement a solution to improve it."

What made you feel well prepared for life after graduation?

"My experience at C2SMART, where I worked closely with city and state DOTs, was instrumental in preparing me for life after graduation. Teaching modeling courses at NYU also played a significant role, as it helped me deepen my understanding of the subject and improve my communication skills. Additionally, the daily struggles and challenges of pursuing a PhD honed my resilience and problem-solving abilities. Engaging in hands-on projects with colleagues, students, and interns and collaborating with diverse teams provided practical experience and built a strong professional network. Developing robust technical skills through coursework and research further equipped me for my career in traffic modeling."

Abdullah Kurkcu

What are you doing now? What have you done since graduation?

"I am currently a senior traffic modeler at Ulteig's Denver Office. After graduating from NYU in 2018, I began my career as a research associate and systems engineer at the C2SMART Center. In this role, I was involved in various transportation research projects, which provided me with a solid foundation in traffic systems and modeling. In May 2020, I transitioned to Ulteig, where I started as a lead traffic modeler. My responsibilities expanded as I took on more complex projects. In 2023, I was promoted to a senior modeler position. In this role, I oversee large-scale traffic simulation projects, mentor junior modelers, and work on innovative solutions to improve traffic flow and safety."

What advice would you give to the future graduating classes interested in entering the same type of role as you?

"To focus on building a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Seek out internships and hands-on industry projects. Networking is also crucial! Finally, develop strong communication skills."

Brian He

What are you doing now? What have you done since graduation?

"I'm an assistant professor at the University of Louisville. I worked as a postdoc and research scientist at UCLA after graduation. My current job is doing research in human mobility and teaching courses in transportation engineering."

What advice would you give to the future graduating classes interested in entering the same type of role as you?

"Find a promising research direction and gain more research experience."

Is there anything you would have done differently while in school to feel more equipped in professional life?

"Get prepared to pursue a faculty position in academia."

Is there anything you would have done differently while in school to feel more equipped in professional life?

"In hindsight, I would have sought more opportunities for practical internships and collaborations with industry professionals earlier in my academic career. While my academic preparation was robust, gaining additional real-world experience and networking could have provided even more practical insights and connections in the field. Much of this valuable experience was gained during my time as a student and research assistant at C2SMARTER, under the exceptional guidance of my academic tutors: Dr Kaan Ozbay and Dr. Joseph Chow."

What advice would you give to the future graduating classes interested in entering the same
type of role as you?

"I would advise future graduates to actively seek out diverse experiences in the field of transportation and urban mobility. Engage in internships, network with industry professionals, and stay updated on emerging technologies and trends. It's also crucial to develop a multidisciplinary approach, as the field often requires integrating knowledge from various areas. Finally, always be open to learning and adapting, as the landscape of transportation is continually evolving."

Diego Correa

What are you doing now? What have you done since graduation?

"I am currently an Associate Expert on Sustainable Urban Mobility at CITIES FORUM, a global organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of international experts. Additionally, I serve as an Associate Professor at both the University of Azuay and the University of Cuenca in the city of Cuenca-Ecuador."

What made you feel well prepared for life after graduation?

"My extensive academic background, which I achieved during my Ph.D. in Transportation Planning and Engineering at New York University and several master's degrees in related fields, provided a solid foundation. The hands-on experience gained through various projects and roles during my studies, along with the support from esteemed professors and industry mentors, also significantly prepared me for my professional journey."