Mass Transit Magazine this week announced that it has named CEE's Dr. Kari Edison Watkins to its 2013 40 Under 40 List.. The list annually honors professionals who have made significant contributions to the public transit industry. Honorees were nominated by their peers and judged on criteria that included job commitment and achievement, industry involvement and contribution, and innovation in the field.
“Millions of people utilize public transportation every year, relying on it to transport them to work, school, social and sporting activities,” said Mass Transit publisher John Hollenhorst.
“The individuals chosen for this year’s list have been stand outs in their respective areas and show a strong passion and commitment that exemplifies the best of the best.”
A 1997 graduate of Georgia Tech's School of Civil Engineering, Watkins earned her doctorate in civil engineering at the University of Washington, where she co-developed OneBusAway, a mobile app that gives transit riders real-time information on bus arrival times. In addition to modifying that app for use in Atlanta, Watkins has initiated development of another app, CycleAtlanta, which provides cyclists with information on optimal cycling routes in Atlanta.
"We consider ourselves truly fortunate to have Kari as a memeber of our faculty," said Karen and John Huff School Chair Dr. Reginald DesRoches.
"She exemplifies the sort of innovative spirit that CEE emphasizes as a part of our research and teaching mission."
“We received so many qualified nominations we could easily have extended the list,” said Mass Transit editor Leah Harnack.
“It was challenging to narrow it down, but we are confident that this list is made up of professionals who are not only extremely deserving of this honor, we expect they will continue to play a significant role in public transport for decades to come.”
Watkins and her fellow 40 Under 40 honorees will be showcased in the September/October cover feature of Mass Transit Magazine and online at www.MassTransitmag.com.
Mass Transit magazine serves more than 21,000 readers associated with the public transportation industry including transit managers, industry suppliers and industry associations. It is the only publication that focuses on the people who manage the business and their successful management practices. The publication’s editorial content provides subscribers with management, marketing, operational and product information they need to better manage transit systems and overcome the changes in today's environment.