Senior engineering student explores transportation solutions
Published July 21, 2025
Pouya Rahnama, a senior civil engineering student, has extended his spring 2025 term into the summer to assist the Transportation Research and Visualization Laboratory (TRAVL) with ongoing projects.
Pouya Rahnama, a senior in civil engineering
One important project Rahnama and the TRAVL program are investigating is what triggers anxiety in drivers, the potential risks and how to address the issue.
Rahnama is also improving his analytical and programming skills by leading his own research project on the preferences of New York City cyclists. Through the Citi Bike sharing system, he utilizes the data collected to assess the future of cycling in the city.
“Insights from the study can help better predict demand for bike sharing systems and develop measurements to improve the experience for riders,” says Irina Benedyk, assistant professor of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering.
Rahnama testing the pedestrian simulator.
Rahnama is looking forward to pursing a graduate degree in transportation engineering. With this degree, he plans to work for a public agency, ideally New York City’s Department of Transportation, as a structure design engineer. His goal is to contribute to projects that allow him to work on the technical aspect of infrastructure with the people-centered vision of urban design.
“I enjoy designing bridges and buildings, and I’m especially drawn to how these structures support the broader transportation system. My goal is to work on projects that combine structural integrity with public impact, like pedestrian bridges, transit station structures and context-sensitive overpasses that enhance safety, mobility and urban experience,” Rahnama says.
