Benjamin Chang

When I met Benjamin as a first-year civil engineering advisee, he impressed me immediately.  He’s an outstanding student with a strong motivation to specialize in transportation engineering. He volunteered in my group by contributing to a California Air Resources Board project on freight locomotive and rail car identification, as part of California’s transition to zero emission technologies. This experience stimulated his interest in decarbonization of rail freight transportation and estimated the benefit to disadvantaged communities, which he is pursuing in the TRIP program. Benjamin has been a terrific team player and asset to our research.

- Dr. Stephen Ritchie, Director, ITS-Irvine

How did you hear about this summer research program?

I was referred to the program by my advisor, Professor Stephen Ritchie.

What interested you most about it?

 I saw that this was an exciting opportunity to conduct and present research. I could also continue the research into the fall.

What are your career goals?

When I complete my degree in Civil Engineering, I hope to work in transportation planning. Specifically, in the rail, freight, or public transportation sectors.

Why are these kinds of summer research programs helpful to students like you?

These research programs allow first and second year students, who might not have taken major-specific classes or decided what they want to do, an opportunity to figure out what they’re interested in. In addition, these programs allow students to make connections with graduate students and faculty, who are interested in mentoring.

What intrigues you about research?

For me, research is so much more rewarding than simply taking classes.  You learn hands on and often at your own pace.  You can really delve into what you’re passionate about. When you run into obstacles with research and you overcome them, the lessons stick with you longer.

What intrigues you about transportation?

I am particularly intrigued by the many emerging technologies in the field, like more fuel-efficient, zero-emission, automated cars and trains. 

What do you like most about the project on which you are working?

This project gives me a chance to work with software that I have never used before, like ArcGIS/Python.  I was able to use it in real-world applications, which makes me feel like I’m learning something very relevant very fast.

What do you hope to learn and/or discover as part of this project?

My goal is to learn more about the freight industry in the US (and beyond), and in particular how it can and will adapt to environmental policy.