As we continue to highlight TRA’s personnel, this time around we focus on Dylan Lawson. Dylan is a project analyst providing support on audit and inspection activities largely for western Pennsylvania transit properties. Dylan brings to TRA a background in chemical engineering and sustainability, a unique perspective on safety considerations, and industrial safety and process experience. He spent much of his time supporting TRA’s client at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and specifically the commonwealth’s rail state safety oversight program. Enough with business, though, let’s get to know Dylan a bit better!
What’s something about you that people might not know: I have a crippling board/card game addiction! I have a collection of around 50 different games of many different genres (do not ask if I have played all of them). I could spend hours in local board game shops just perusing all the options until I find the cream of the crop!
Where is your favorite place you’ve visited for work: Before joining TRA, I had the opportunity to travel to San Diego, which is absolutely beautiful. Between the perfect climate and the amazing seafood, what isn’t to love!
What’s at the top of your bucket list: A dream of mine has always been to visit all of the national parks. I love seeing and exploring the incredible landscapes around us that fully display nature’s beauty. Notably, the redwood forest has always been at the top of my national park list to hit first when I get the chance.
Do you have a pet: I have a goofy and sassy cat named Eda. She is a mix between a tortoise shell and a tabby (otherwise known as a Torbie) which are breeds notorious for their “torbitude”. If she isn’t squawking for food, she’s lurking in a corner somewhere giving me a stinky look because she hasn’t been fed in “forever” (Her feeder likely went off 15 minutes ago).
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: “Never ask leading questions” is a great piece of advice I have tried to incorporate in both my personal and professional life. Simply saying “tell me more about that” rather than guiding a conversation leads to far more meaningful conversations that, when specified further, can take away from insights you may not have even considered. It is especially useful within this role to dive deeper into the day-to-day operations of transit agencies.