Empowering Women in Transportation: Haishan Liu Awarded the 2023 WTS-IE Scholarship
In honor of International Women's Day, we sat down with Haishan Liu, a graduate student researcher at CE-CERT, to share her academic journey and celebrate her receiving the WTS-IE Scholarship. Offered by the Women’s Transportation Seminar Foundation in the Inland Empire Chapter, this scholarship aims to support and empower women pursuing careers in transportation within the Inland Empire region.
Haishan’s academic journey in Electrical and Computer Engineering is inspired by her passion for tackling the intricate challenges within the transportation sector. As a member of CE-CERT’s Transportation Systems Research (TSR) lab, she is actively engaged in projects aimed at revolutionizing transportation systems, from decarbonization initiatives to optimizing vehicle fleet operations for sustainability.
"I am passionate about solving real-world complex transportation problems," said Haishan, citing issues like last-mile delivery and electric ride-hailing services as areas of particular interest.
For Haishan, applying for the WTS-IE Scholarship was more than just a financial decision—it was about empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
"The WTS-IE scholarship embodies a profound commitment to advancing women in transportation, a mission that deeply resonates with my aspirations and values," she shared.
The scholarship funds will play a pivotal role in shaping Haishan's educational pursuits and future endeavors within the transportation realm. With this support, she plans to deepen her expertise in modeling and simulation, engage with wider transportation communities through research conferences and seminars, and explore emerging technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.
"As I embark on my future career path, I envision myself embodying these values by actively advocating for gender equality and diversity within the transportation industry," said Haishan.
She expressed her desire to serve as a mentor for aspiring female transportation professionals, creating inclusive environments where
women can thrive and excel.
In closing, Haishan shared a heartfelt message of encouragement for students facing challenges or seeking inspiration in their academic journey.
"Never settle if you haven’t found your aspiration," she advised. "True happiness stems from pursuing your passions and striving towards your aspirations, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or facing uncertainty."
Haishan's journey exemplifies the transformative impact of scholarships like WTS-IE in empowering women to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to the transportation industry. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us continue to support and uplift women like Haishan in their pursuit of excellence and equity in all fields.
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