N.J. high schoolers test-drive careers in transportation engineering, research

Rowan University’s Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES) recently welcomed 28 high school students representing every county in New Jersey for a two-week National Summer Transportation Institute. The program was offered in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).  

The intensive residential program introduced a select group of high-achieving students to college-level transportation engineering concepts. CREATES Director Yusuf Mehta and Assistant NJDOT Commissioner Parth Oza met with the students on July 14 at Engineering Hall to discuss the engineering work undertaken to design and construct safe transportation systems.   

“The Summer Transportation Institute is a great way for students to get exposed to all modes of transportation through hands-on activities, lectures and field trips,” Mehta said.  

Their busy schedule included interactive projects, lectures and lab tours with professors, a research competition and off-campus trips. Students met with professional engineers and took behind-the-scenes tours at transportation sites and facilities, including the Camden Marine Terminals, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and an asphalt plant.