Local governments often have jurisdiction over public transit authorities. Many of these entities have the mission of providing safe, accessible, and affordable mobility options for their residents. From extensive shuttle services to new rail infrastructure, local officials have the power to shape their communities with reliable modes of commute. Help from city planners, environmental scientists, social workers, and countless other industries can contribute to decisions that decrease the carbon impact and air pollution caused by transportation. Technological innovations ranging from high-speed rail, to autonomous vehicles, to ride-sharing mobile apps are increasing the complexity of local decision-making and the need for STEM-informed input.
ESAL spoke with Shima Hamidi, Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Center for Climate-Smart Transportation to learn more about her work at the intersection of transportation, climate change, and public health.
Learn about how Arpit Soni uses his background in energy engineering to support efforts towards climate action in California and beyond.
ESAL speaks with associate research scientist, science policy fellow, mentor, committee member ,and AAAS science and technology fellow Alice Grossman on her work in equitable, accessible transportation.
While electric vehicles are a critical part of local climate change and air pollution mitigation, structural barriers create gaps in charging infrastructure for marginalized communities. ESAL volunteer Chris Jackson recently published a policy brief outlining how policymakers can ensure that those benefits are equitably distributed.
Kathryn Kundrod and Mary Natoli are Ph.D. candidates in the bioengineering graduate program at Rice University and active members of Rice University’s Cycling and Triathlon Club. ESAL interviewed them about their advocacy for transportation safety around campus and broadly in the City of Houston.
Jeanne Holm serves as a senior technology advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, as well as deputy chief information officer for Los Angeles. ESAL interviewed Holm about how her scientific training informs her work in LA on infrastructure, mobility, and air quality.
During her early career in international development, Karina Ricks gained a lasting appreciation for transportation’s role in economic prosperity and social equity. Since 2017, she has applied these lessons at the local level within the U.S., overseeing transportation in Pittsburgh as the Director of Mobility and Infrastructure.
Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.
Christopher K. Tokita interned for New Jersey state Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, Ph.D. While it may seem overwhelming to dedicate time to working in state government while also working toward a Ph.D., he found it to be very doable and rewarding. For him, it was an achievable way to explore public policy while continuing his scientific training and research.
