ITS-Irvine Faculty Spotlight: Sarah Catz

How did you become interested in transportation? What interests you most right now?

I matriculated college at George Washington University in Washington, DC when the Metro system was still being built. I was able to witness first hand how a wonderful, efficient, convenient and equitable transit system could improve the quality life of a region's citizens, as well as improve the entire economic vitality of said region. 

When I arrived in Orange County I was stunned to see the lack of transportation options available and knew I wanted to help change that.

I continue to be most interested in finding ways to move people and goods in an efficient, safe, sustainable and equitable manner.

What drew you to UCI/ITS-Irvine? What do you like best/find as strengths at UCI/ITS-Irvine?

I was aware of the outstanding reputation of the ITS professors and the research performed, and I was eager to assist in any way I could.

If you could give incoming students one piece of career advice, what would it be? 

Try a few different paths and don't hesitate to ask for advice from your favorite professors.

What are your research interests and what types of projects are you currently working on?

I work in policy and try to effectuate transportation policy decisions.  I have always been a transit advocate and I have been involved in autonomous vehicle policy. Currently, I am working on safety issues with active transportation - in particular, how to create many more protective bike lanes so bike and scooter operators can be protected from cars.

What do you consider your most significant research finding or accomplishment thus far? 

I am most proud of the impact I have had on many policy decisions in Southern California regarding our rail and transit systems.

What are your other plans for future research?

I think technology and artificial intelligence will make our transportation systems much safer because I truly believe that humans are terrible drivers and we need to do everything in our power to make our streets and roads as safe as can be. I look forward to staying on top of the trends in AI and autonomous vehicles and potentially working on some policies that will impact those trends.

What issues in transportation keep you up at night?

Currently, I am so disturbed by the violence on or near many transit stations and the fact that a large number of riders are avoiding using transit because of the violence.  I am also disturbed by the number of people I hear about almost daily who die or get severely injured in unprotected bike lanes, as well as in automobile accidents.  We have to do better!

Is there someone or something that has inspired you?

I am greatly inspired and motivated when I see people taking advantage of a transit system that I played a role in implementing.

What are you watching right now?

I'm on season two of Suits. I am a lawyer by background, and I love legal dramas.

What is a fun fact about you?

Dodger Stadium is my "happy place" and I have been to 27 of the 30 current baseball stadiums in North America.