Diversity in research and engineering is vital. We all bring our own experiences and perspectives to the table, and that diversity and collaboration lead to new and exciting innovations.
Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) is an international organization founded in 1977 by a group of women in transportation who recognized that women’s careers in the field would benefit from professional development, encouragement, and recognition. The WTS Student Chapter at UF strives to establish a college-based student community (that welcomes all people regardless of gender expression), focusing on advancing women in transportation through professional workshops, networking, and community service.
On-campus, the organization mainly hosts seminars featuring companies or graduate students. These seminars present students with information that can help them in their future careers, whether in industry or continuing in academia.
The WTS Student Chapter is also involved in outreach to Kindergarten through 12th grade. This outreach promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education to grade-school kids, particularly girls. Beyond introducing kids to STEM fields broadly, WTS can introduce them to transportation engineering, a field many may not have been previously aware of.
The organization welcomes not just women, but people of all gender expressions are invited to join. Additionally, members do not have to be currently involved in transportation research. Any student with an interest in transportation engineering – or simply learning more about the field is welcome to join.