How did you begin working at TRA? Who was your first client?
I began working for TRA right after the completion of my Master’s of Public Administration degree. Throughout school, I had worked for the Institute for Public Administration, in Newark, Delaware, where I focused on the development of complete communities and the interaction between transportation access and public health. The summer prior to graduation, I participated in the Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups run by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which really cemented my love for transportation, especially innovative transportation research. I remember coming across the posting for this job at TRA and thinking “Wow, this is perfect!” My first client was the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, with whom I completed a contract compliance audit of the operations and maintenance contractor for the Cincinnati Bell Connector.
What do you like most about your job?
I love working on-site at transit agencies with TRA’s subject matter experts. It is the best way to develop technical knowledge and experience that I can use to help the agencies be safer. Getting to see new systems and cities provides me great insight into the transit industry in the United States.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that I am an Irish citizen! Both of my mother’s parents were born and grew up in Ireland, and then immigrated to North America. Last year, I decided to register my birth and apply for citizenship.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
While I am not at work, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee. Philadelphia has a really active city league that plays year-round throughout the city. I have also picked up quilting again, a hobby of mine from which I had taken a hiatus.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
The destination currently at the top of my dream travel list is Italy, mostly for the food. I would also love to go to Amsterdam in the spring, for prime tulip viewing.