Our 2024 Scholars are presented here in the last name alphabetical order

Joseph Benjamin: He studies at the intersection of equitable spatial planning, technology, and environmentalism. Currently, he is a Sustainability and the Built Environment + Geodesign undergraduate at the University of Florida and works at the GeoPlan Center. In the past, he has been a DAAD RISE scholar (2023) and Brown Center Path to Purpose Fellow (2021-22). When not working, Joseph loves to hike and go with his roommate to their community garden. Minoring in German, he loves languages and what information they hold about the cultures they’re spoken in. He has very recently embarked on learning some Korean, too. 정말 흥분됩니다!

Eliana Duarte: An undergraduate student at the University of Florida pursuing a major in Civil Engineering with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. She is a member of the Just & Green Transportation Lab at UF, where she researches mobility hub development and emergency evacuation plans. Her research interests include public transportation, transportation equity, and spatial data analysis. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Transportation Engineering upon graduation. Outside of the lab, her hobbies include practicing yoga, going to concerts, and snowboarding.

Serena Everest: Hello! My name is Serena Everest, and I am currently finishing my fourth year of my civil engineering degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. During my time as a student, I have been eager to gain practical and academic experience through various internships and research. I love city development, whether that be through transportation, urban planning, or even construction management. Outside of school, I enjoy staying active through walking and CrossFit, as well as attending events in the area.

Robert Gillespy: An undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, receiving his BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2024 with minors in Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics. He currently conducts undergraduate research in computational fluid mechanics, specifically in the intersection of machine learning and fluid flow dynamics modeling with applications in aerodynamics. He also has previous undergraduate research experience in the fields of experimental aerodynamics and tribology. Robert is passionate about his research and its applications in aerospace, and he plans to begin graduate studies in aerospace engineering in the Fall 2024 with career goals of contributing to next-generation flight vehicle design.

Rochelle Johnson: A Graduate student at State University pursuing a Doctor of Engineering degree, specializing in transportation and urban infrastructure studies. Member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the Association for Commuters Transportation (ACT). Her research focuses on freight transportation dynamics and rural and urban mobility equity. She aspires to launch a transportation business post-graduation, driven by innovative ideas. Beyond academia, she enjoys water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, live band music, and quiet moments at home. She is committed to academic excellence, innovation, and a balanced lifestyle.