PacTrans | Student Activities

DID YOU KNOW

Commuting to Work: In 2010, a reported 77.75% of Idaho drivers drove alone to work, while 9.92% used car pools and 0.81% used public transit.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics

MEET THE TEAM

Kristine Pham

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Student Activities

September 25, 2024
Meet 2024-2025 PacTrans Fellow: Laura Baddeley

Today we’re spotlighting one of our upcoming 2024-2025 PacTrans Graduate Fellows, Laura Baddeley.

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Celebrating the Success of Washington Transportation Camp 2024!
The 2024 PacTrans-WSDOT Washington Transportation Camp has wrapped up its second successful year, taking place at:
- Washington State University in Pullman
  Pullman, WA – July 21-26, 2024
- University of Washington in Seattle
  Seattle, WA – August 4-9, 2024
WA Transportation Camp is a one-week residential high school summer program covering transportation topics such as urban planning, traffic safety, supply chain logistics, and the cutting-edge realm of connected and autonomous vehicles.

The primary objective of the program is to increase the number of students pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM-related fields associated with transportation. This mission emphasizes a particular commitment to:
- Broadening the participation of students from underrepresented groups
- Increasing awareness among students about the diverse and rewarding careers available in the transportation industry
- Encouraging and inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to consider pursuing a vocation in transportation
The 2024 program was sponsored by PacTrans and WSDOT and was offered free of charge to all participating students. Both camps welcomed 44 high school students, with 25 at the UW and 19 at WSU. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and parents highlights the camp’s impact in raising awareness on career paths within the transportation industry. We can’t wait to host the camp again next year!
June 04, 2024
RECAP – AI in Motion: Shaping the Future of Mobility & Safety Symposium

On May 15-17, 2024, the Texas Department of Transportation hosted the AI in Motion Symposium: Shaping the Future of Mobility & Safety in Austin, Texas. PacTrans, in collaboration with TTI and Region 6 UTC (Southern Plains Transportation Center), co-organized the event, drawing over 150 participants passionate about transportation AI.

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May 06, 2024
Showcasing WDI Student Programs at Engineering Discovery Days

Last Friday, on May 3, 2024, PacTrans shared our Workforce Development Institute (WDI) initiatives at Engineering Discovery Days held at the University of Washington (UW). At Engineering Discovery Days, students and faculty from all UW engineering departments share their work with upwards of 10,000 students, teachers, families and the community.

Our operations team, combined with volunteers from the PacTrans fellowship program, had a great time informing visitors about the PacTrans mission and WDI summer programs for students. The programs shared were:

Intro to Autonomous Cars

In this course, students learn about important topics related to autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the supporting infrastructure, and work with a team to build their own AV using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Kits. We’ll discuss specific topics related to AVs, such as connected technology, sensing and data collection, traffic system control, electrification and more. Students practice integrating sensors, algorithms and a computing unit to automate vehicle movements. Students also take field trips to on-campus labs and hear from UW researchers and scientists. Co-sponsored by UW Youth & Teen Programs.

Washington Transportation Camp

Washington Transportation Camp is a FREE 6-day/5-night residential summer camp that will give highly motivated Washington state high school students the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of transportation through classes, lab tours, field trips, and student-led projects. Co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Here are some quotes from our volunteers:

It was such a pleasure to see UW campus alive with so many young students eager to learn about engineering. Watching students attempt the hardest levels in our Rush Hour game, then seeing the joy on their face as they succeed reinforces why I enjoy teaching so much, and I hope to see many of these students at future summer camps to learn more about transportation.

–– Ryan Avery, PacTrans Interim Assistant Director

It was great to see so many young students enthusiastic about engineering and watching them engage with all the different activities. My favorite thing was engaging in conversations about transportation and engineering with these students. I believe that it is important to have events like these to engage the future generation in engineering.

–– Jonah Lorica, PacTrans Graduate Fellow

Engaging with the students was the best part! I loved playing games with them and answering any of their questions about transportation. It couldn’t have been a better day either. We got to be outside with the perfect PNW view.

–– Kristine Pham, PacTrans Marketing & Communications Specialist
March 19, 2024
Thank you for joining our Preparing Future Transportation Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow Seminar

On March 4, 2024, PacTrans and the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) collaborated to provide students with valuable face-to-face engagement with transportation professionals. During the event, the Secretary of Transportation, Roger Millar, and ASCE President, Dennis Truax, imparted insights on the future of civil engineering, opportunities in the intersectionality of transportation and sustainability, and their own career journeys. Watch the full seminar above.