Ye Wang

What do you like most about engineering at UB?

I think the engineering department at UB is very well organized. UB in general is receiving a lot of attention. In terms of the ranking, I know it is rising quickly.

I know that might not have been the factor I was considering at first, but it is a fact. Also, the faculty know what they are doing. They are dedicated and love what they do. That is very important. 

Why did you choose to study transportation engineering?

While I was an undergraduate at Ohio State, transportation was not a popular area of the three: civil, structural and environmental engineering, but I always found with transportation engineering I could help people in their everyday lives. It means a lot to me. 

Are you working on any projects?

I am currently working on a project with Dr. Austin Angulo. The research is mainly on pedestrians and cyclists. Most of the transportation research focuses on cars, highways or zero waste, but pedestrians and cyclists surprisingly received very little attention until very recently. Just as you see here in the United States, cars are a dominant mode of transportation.

In the Transportation Research and Visualization Lab we are working on the exploration of different work zone designs and their impact on cyclists and pedestrian behaviors for safety. 

Do you know what your plans are after graduation?

I want to work in the academic field after I graduate. I worked in the industry side for a few years, so I know what that is like. The academia side will be a new challenge for me after I receive my PhD degree. This includes potentially going for a postdoctoral position somewhere then eventually finding a faculty job at a university.

Do you have any advice for students?

Don’t be afraid to do things you are interested in. If you are worried about making mistakes or have no idea how something should be done, always take the first step in learning. There as always someone here at the university or the department that can guide you through the experience.

There will be challenges outside the engineering field after you graduate. Be prepared for those challenges and know you will make it through.