Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Dominic Bednar

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine is proud to spotlight Dr. Dominic Bednar for their contributions to a sustainable tomorrow. Dr. Bednar is many things—an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, a leader in energy justice, an innovative researcher—but most importantly they’re community-centric.

One of Dr. Bednar’s first communities began at the University of Maryland where they majored in Civil Engineering and minored in Sustainability Studies. During this time, Dr. Bednar’s interest in environmental justice and energy poverty took root, eventually guiding them to the University of Michigan. There, Dr. Bednar earned a Masters in Sustainable Systems and a Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability. Since then, Dr. Bednar’s interdisciplinary background has informed three years of people-oriented transportation research. Their hopes for the future of transportation challenge the equity gap exacerbated by the single-person vehicle.

“My vision is a transit system that transforms how we move and transforms the world around us…I hope for a future where transportation is nearly free or universally accessible, where you can get where you need to go with your own two feet or whatever mobility you require.”

Currently, Dr. Bednar’s research examines Los Angeles and Atlanta, two cities that experience some of the highest levels of traffic and car dependency in the world. In addition to determining what contributes to car-dependency, Dr. Bednar’s project will also engage community members in thinking sessions to reimagine the future of transportation.

“If I’m going to do this job any justice, I feel like doing it on behalf of the people is really what is important to me. No matter how expert of a team I put together, it won’t be that expert unless it includes folks on the front lines.”

When Dr. Bednar isn’t expanding the field of energy justice research, they’re building a global network. They’re a leader in policy as a member of the Black Hive for the Black Lives Movement and the Co-founder of Black in Environment, two organizations that prioritize environmental and racial justice. They’re a DJ, a sonic artist, an avid traveler, and an outdoor enthusiast. It’d be easier to list everything Dr. Bednar isn’t, then everything they are.

“If we don’t take our joy and our pleasure and our excitement for ourselves, there will be no time for it. Traveling, music, and language learning are just as much part of my practice as research—they keep me balanced and connected.”

Dr. Bednar’s accomplishments stem from their connection to community. Their contributions to the Institute of Transportation Studies is fueled by a desire to provide others with the same opportunity.