Emerging Leader Alumni Award
Jingqin (Jannie) Gao, 高婧沁
Dr. Jingqin Gao is a dedicated professional with a passion for transportation, boasting over 12 years of experience. She is the Assistant Director of Research at NYU’s C2SMARTER University Transportation Center, where she has secured a $15M grant for traffic congestion research. Dr. Gao has served as Principal Investigator and Co-PI for various projects funded by the federal government, National Academies, and state and local agencies. She has led the U.S.’s largest connected vehicle pilot deployment and contributed significantly to intelligent transportation systems and urban analytics. Dr. Gao has worked on major projects addressing mobility, policy impacts during COVID-19, and AI-based solutions for smart cities. Her previous roles include traffic engineer at NYCDOT and she is an advocate for women in STEM. Dr. Gao holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Planning and Engineering from NYU.
Ran Yan, 闫冉
As the executive director of Lewis Latimer House Museum, Ran Yan works to engage diverse audiences to celebrate Black inventor Lewis Latimer’s legacy. In the first 3 years of her tenure as ED, Ran more than doubled the museum’s attendance and budget. She builds partnerships with community stakeholders in Flushing, Queens and across New York City. Ran is passionate about arts as a public good as well as racial and gender equities. She has presented at various conferences and served on many grant panels. Before moving to New York City, Ran studied architecture and preservation at Tongji University in Shanghai, and completed her Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation Planning at Cornell University. She is a Beijing native and calls New York City her home.
Yingyue (Lily) Yin, 尹迎月
Yingyue (Lily) Yin, SE, PE, LEED AP-BD+C, is a senior structural engineer with over 8 years of experience in complex infrastructure projects, including subway and tunnel design. She played a key role in projects like New York City’s Second Avenue Subway, Baltimore’s Frederick Douglass Tunnel, and New Jersey’s Gateway Program. Yingyue holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Columbia University and is certified as a Structural Engineer (SE), Professional Engineer (PE), and LEED Accredited Professional. Her expertise in precast concrete segmental lining design and TBM excavation has significantly impacted urban structural integrity, demonstrating her commitment to advancing engineering practices and project management in diverse environments.
Outstanding International Student Alumni Award
Jia Dong, 董加
Jia Dong is a data science graduate student at NYU, with a background in automotive engineering and extensive experience in blockchain investment management. He has developed a patented multi-axis sensor array and led teams in technology-focused roles. Jia is committed to leveraging data analytics for innovation in technology and has a strong track record of academic and professional accomplishments that highlight his potential to drive technological advancements.
Ka Weng Lai, 黎嘉颖
Ka Weng (Teresa) Lai, a graduate student at Harvard in architecture and urban design, focuses on creating equitable urban environments. She has led community projects, including affordable housing initiatives in Shanghai, and participates in research addressing social issues in urban planning. Teresa’s leadership in the GSD Real Estate Club underscores her dedication to addressing the challenges of urban life through her work in architecture and planning, aiming for inclusive and sustainable urban development.
Junyi Li, 李均宜
Junyi Li is a graduate data researcher at the NYU Furman Center and a master’s student in applied urban science and informatics at NYU. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Tongji University. Junyi applies data science to urban challenges, focusing on housing and environmental issues. At NYU, she works on analyzing rent roll data, creating visualizations, and researching affordable housing. Her experience includes developing MEP automation tools at ECADI and policy research at Guiyang Big Data Industry Co. Junyi combines architecture, urban science, and data analytics to contribute to meaningful urban solutions and policy advancements.
Yu Tang, 唐钰
Yu Tang is a Ph.D. candidate at NYU in intelligent transportation systems, with a focus on integrating AI and control theory for urban traffic management. He has over 8 years of experience in transportation engineering, including significant research and consulting projects. Yu’s work aims to enhance transportation efficiency and safety through innovative AI applications, and he actively mentors undergraduate students, contributing to the future of transportation research and education.
Zhuxuanzi Wang, 汪祝璇子
Zhuxuanzi (Joy) Wang, a master’s student at Cornell Tech, excels in information systems and urban planning. She has extensive experience in data analysis and machine learning, with projects like developing urban data platforms and optimizing city systems. Joy’s academic excellence and technical proficiency in sustainable development and artificial intelligence highlight her potential to drive innovations in urban planning and technology integration.
Yuzheng Wu, 吴雨峥
Yuzheng Wu is pursuing a Master of Science in Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Tongji University. She has significant experience in urban regeneration and historical conservation, including leading projects in cooperation with UNESCO. Her work focuses on preserving cultural heritage amidst modernization, and she aims to join an international NGO like UNESCO. Yuzheng is dedicated to integrating heritage values into urban planning to promote equality and diversity in historic preservation.
Tongji Foundation Scholarship Award
Tyler Bo
Tyler Bo is a high school student committed to a future in the medical field. He is actively involved in community service and excels in sciences, particularly AP Biology. Tyler aspires to become a physician’s assistant, with long-term goals of working as a pharmacist or radiologist. His dedication to helping others through both academic and extracurricular activities underscores his potential for success in medicine.
Corey Wang
Corey Wang is a high school junior balancing a strong academic record with extensive involvement in sports and music. He excels as a varsity athlete and a first-chair saxophone player, earning 2nd Team All-Conference in football. Corey’s interests in sports medicine and computer science reflect his diverse talents and dedication to both athletics and technology, positioning him for a promising future.
Ethan Wang
Ethan Wang is a high school student known for his perseverance and dedication to academics and music. Despite personal challenges, he has excelled in his studies and music, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Ethan’s resilience and achievements make him a strong candidate for future success in any field he chooses to pursue.
Jonathan Wang
Jonathan Wang is a 10th grader at Ardsley High School, driven by a desire to challenge himself academically and personally. He excels in playing the piano, solving math problems, and swimming. Jonathan recently won a 2nd place medal in the Science Olympiad and was a finalist in a piano competition. His commitment to pushing his limits and his reflections on achieving personal potential demonstrate his maturity and determination to excel in his future endeavors.