Testimonials from Scholarship Recipients

I'm grateful to have received the 2026 Gordon Paesani ITS Midwest Scholarship. I'm a Ph.D. candidate in Transportation Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I study next-generation last-mile delivery. Most of my work deals with the final leg of a package's trip, from the local hub to someone's door, and how new technologies and ITS can make that work better for delivery companies and for the cities they operate in. The scholarship will help me continue my research and present the results to people who can put them to use.
At the annual meeting in Dublin, I talked with a lot of people about my research and got advice. That was a great experience. I hope to stay involved with ITS Midwest after I graduate and help other students the same way.

Receiving the Gordon Paesani Scholarship is a great honor and encourages me to continue pursuing transportation research with meaningful real-world impact. I plan to use this award toward study materials and preparation costs for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and, eventually, Professional Engineer (PE) exams as I advance my professional career. Carrying Gordon Paesani’s legacy is especially meaningful to me because of his commitment to innovation in ITS. I hope to carry that spirit forward by developing practical, data-driven solutions that make transportation systems safer and smarter.

If awarded the Gordon Paesani Scholarship, I will use the funds to invest in data collection tools—specifically LiDAR sensors and IoT-based equipment—to support the next phase of my infrastructure sensing study. These resources will significantly enhance my ability to gather high-resolution, real-world data to validate simulation results and develop scalable ITS applications. I will also use part of the funding to cover expenses related to the FE and PE licensing exams, which are crucial steps toward becoming a licensed transportation engineer in the United States.

My long-term goal is to become a researcher and policy advisor advancing intelligent mobility solutions in both freight and passenger transport. I strive to bridge technology and policy, ensuring ITS innovations are effective and equitable. The ITS Midwest Gordon Paesani Scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also deepen my engagement with the ITS Midwest community and its mission. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a field shaped by innovation, mentorship, and service—values exemplified by Gordon Paesani’s legacy.

Being considered for the Gordon Paesani ITS Midwest Scholarship represents more than just financial support; it affirms the path I’ve chosen and the purpose behind it. This opportunity would allow me to further connect with a community that shares my passion for transforming transportation through innovation and integrity. Inspired by Gordon Paesani’s legacy, I am determined to carry forward a mindset of curiosity, service, and leadership as I work toward safer, smarter mobility solutions. With each step of my academic and professional journey, I remain committed to using technology not just to move people more efficiently, but to improve lives on every corner, from the busiest intersections to the most overlooked rural roads.

Through the generosity of the Gordon Paesani Scholarship, I was able to not only fund my travel and lodging at the ITS Midwest conference but also my Fundamentals of Engineering practice materials and exam. Both of these have been a critical part in my young transportation engineering career and being able to pay for these with the scholarship funds has been a weight off of my shoulders.

The Gordon Paesani Scholarship helped me pay for the entrance exam for graduate school and soon it will pay for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. This is an important step for me to become a Professional Engineer. It also made it easier to make payments for school and allowed me to focus more on learning and getting the most out of my Civil Engineering degree.