What's Happening?
Riley Lazansky, a civil engineering major at Mercer University, has been selected as the recipient of the Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship Award by Women in Transportation (WTS). This $5,000 scholarship is granted to students who have demonstrated
a strong interest in transportation engineering through their academic pursuits or research. Lazansky, originally from Johns Creek, Georgia, is pursuing a civil engineering degree with aspirations to utilize engineering to benefit communities and enhance daily infrastructure. Her research contributions, supervised by Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Eazaz Sadeghvaziri, Ph.D., include two transportation projects focused on Geographic Artificial Intelligence and Connected and Automated Vehicle deployment. These research efforts have led to two co-authored papers accepted for presentation at the 2027 Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, D.C., and the 2027 American Society of Civil Engineers conference in Philadelphia. Additionally, Lazansky has taken on a leadership role by mentoring two new undergraduate research assistants.
Why It's Important?
This scholarship highlights the growing importance of fostering female talent in the transportation engineering sector, a field critical for the development and maintenance of U.S. infrastructure. By supporting students like Lazansky, WTS contributes to diversifying a traditionally male-dominated industry and ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to improving public services. Lazansky's focus on Geographic Artificial Intelligence and Connected and Automated Vehicle deployment is particularly significant, as these areas are at the forefront of modern transportation innovation. Her research could lead to more efficient, safer, and sustainable transportation systems across the nation. The recognition also underscores the value of academic research in addressing real-world infrastructure challenges, potentially influencing future policy and investment in smart transportation technologies. The mentorship aspect of her role further demonstrates a commitment to developing future leaders and researchers in the field.
What's Next?
Riley Lazansky plans to continue her education and pursue a career in civil engineering, with specific interests in transportation and structural engineering. The scholarship will aid her in achieving these goals. Her accepted papers will be presented at the 2027 Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, D.C., and the 2027 American Society of Civil Engineers conference in Philadelphia, providing a platform for her research to be shared with a broader professional audience. These presentations could lead to further collaborations, funding opportunities, and the potential application of her research findings in practical transportation projects. Her ongoing mentorship of other undergraduate research assistants suggests a continued commitment to academic and professional development within the field, potentially inspiring more students to pursue careers in transportation engineering.
Beyond the Headlines
The Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a powerful symbol of encouragement for women entering the transportation industry. Sharon D. Banks, the scholarship's namesake, was a pioneering figure as the chief executive officer of AC Transit, demonstrating the impact women can have in leadership roles within public transit. This award reflects a broader societal effort to promote gender equality and inclusion in STEM fields, which are vital for national progress and innovation. Lazansky's experiences on service trips to Costa Rica, the Navajo Nation, and Mexico, where she observed significant infrastructure challenges, have instilled in her a deep understanding of the social responsibility inherent in engineering. This perspective is crucial for developing equitable and community-focused infrastructure solutions, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all segments of society and address critical needs beyond mere technical efficiency.
