Close USC-WTS-LA Collaboration Just What the Transportation Doctor Ordered

Dr. Roxana Javid wants to contribute meaningfully to transportation and help shape the future of the transportation industry. And as a senior lecturer at USC’s Verterbi School of Engineering, that’s exactly what she is doing.

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“I recently joined the USC Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty, where I am the director of the masters of transportation program,” Javid explains. “Now I’m responsible for teaching classes as well as program-related elements like advising students, monitoring curriculum, updating classes, creating new classes, working with other instructors, helping students with internships and scholarships, graduation, and a bunch of other essential components to the life of a USC transportation student.”

Javid also explains that there’s a considerable research side to her work as well, including subjects like transportation planning, policy, and scenario assessment with big data analysis, largely focusing on energy and emissions, climate change, and infrastructure (e.g., electric vehicle charging stations and autonomous driving infrastructure). A full plate by any measure, Javid sees her research and work through USC as a perfect use of her talents and skills.

“I’ve been interested in civil engineering as long as I can remember. And when I started my master’s degree, I learned more about transportation engineering and sustainability. Then I went further into transportation planning and policy analysis. When I started my PhD, my focus turned almost exclusively to climate change and sustainability in transportation. But something else unique happened then. I had my first female professor ever. So it was wonderful to learn from Dr. Katherine Heyhoe. And she’s somewhat famous for her research and work on climate change. That had a big influence on me pursuing an academic career in transportation and wanting to inspire students in this field.”

After receiving her doctorate, Javid became a professor at Savannah State University, as well as the director of their Transportation Infrastructures and Geotechnics Education and Research (TIGER) group. Two and a half years later, she and her husband moved to Los Angeles, and Javid met retired USC Professor and former WTS-LA Director at Large James Moore II, a longtime friend and staunch advocate for WTS-LA. It was a pivotal connection.

“I’m grateful to Jim Moore for supporting me and making me aware of our program’s strengths and flexibility. But I joined USC right when Covid hit, and Jim was my main point of contact.”

Moore recommended that Javid join and work closely with WTS-LA. No stranger to WTS, Javid had joined WTS Atlanta when she taught at Savannah State, helping two of her students win WTS scholarships. So, she was happy to join the chapter at Moore’s suggestion. And when Moore retired, Javid eagerly took on the role of being the chapter’s primary conduit to USC.

“I strongly encourage everyone to join WTS-LA. The benefits are incredible for students. It cost them actually or virtually nothing and they gain experience, connections, training, community, and even potential scholarships. They also get to meet each other and share experiences through programs led by WTS-LA members and transportation leaders. And that’s something they just can’t get through any other organization.”

Javid also notes that students in other USC transportation-related schools and programs, like computer science, planning, and industrial engineering, as well as USC’s unique Progressive Degree Program (PDP), could also benefit tremendously from WTS-LA participation. And as a WTS-LA Director at Large, Javid looks to create more WTS-LA programs and events to introduce and integrate students into WTS-LA and its benefits. WTS Scholarship is a considerable financial reward for a student. And while the money is important, what they stand to gain from actively participating in WTS-LA will provide even greater, longer term rewards for their careers and lives. USC and WTS-LA working closely together will benefit each phenomenally.”