The Institute of Transportation Studies is proud to spotlight Andrea Chan for her contributions to the 2026 Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP). Andrea is a Civil Engineering major at UC Irvine with a passion for transportation engineering and creating projects that positively impact communities. Inspired by her experiences growing up in Hong Kong, she developed an appreciation for efficient and well-connected transit systems and hopes to contribute to transportation solutions that improve accessibility and quality of life.
“I chose to major in Civil Engineering because I enjoy the process of creating projects that can make a long-term impact. What motivates me most is knowing that the work I contribute to can last for years and help improve the lives of the public and surrounding communities.”
TRIP gives students like Andrea the opportunity to explore how transportation systems shape communities and everyday life. Her interest in transportation engineering is rooted in a desire to improve connectivity and expand access to reliable mobility options. Through research, she hopes to better understand how transportation systems can serve diverse populations while balancing efficiency and sustainability.
“What intrigues me most about transportation is the opportunity to improve connectivity and make transportation systems more accessible for everyone. I am especially interested in finding ways to make transportation both sustainable and environmentally friendly while still being efficient and reliable for the public.”
As part of this project, Andrea hopes to deepen her understanding of the relationship between transportation systems and the communities they serve. She is particularly interested in exploring ways to make transportation networks more accessible, connected, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.
“I hope to learn more about how transportation systems impact communities and everyday life. I’m interested in understanding how transportation can be made more accessible, efficient, and connected for everyone.”
Author Reina Kabbara is a recent graduate of Public Health Policy at UC Irvine. She has conducted transportation and environmental research under the Institute of Transportation Studies and through Professor Jun Wu’s E3: “Exposure, Epidemiology, and Equity” Environmental Health Lab.
Each summer, the ITS-Irvine Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) and the Pre-college Research Immersion Program pair undergraduate and high school student researchers with faculty to contribute meaningfully to ongoing transportation research projects. To learn more about these programs, contact ITS-Irvine Assistant Director for Programs and Engagement Dr. Victoria Deguzman at vvdeguzm@uci.edu.