Celebrating ICT graduates: Memories, reflections and advice

Congratulations to Illinois Center for Transportation’s graduating students! Our grads reflected on their favorite memories as students and advice for future Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering transportation students.

We wish them continued success as they move forward into the next chapter of their careers.

Lama Abufares, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

Learning how to drive and operate a roller compactor. We were collecting data with roller-mounted ground-penetrating radar at ICT test sections, and the operator, John Miller, was very kind and offered to teach me after the construction was complete.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Truly make the most of their time in graduate school — not only academically, but also personally. Get to know the people around you and learn from their different cultures, perspectives and experiences, whether through friend groups, student organizations or university committees. For me, these engagements were some of the most valuable parts of my graduate years, helping me grow both as a researcher and as a person. I hope future students feel included, have memorable experiences and thrive throughout their graduate journey.

Yusra Alhadidi, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

It is difficult to point to a single memory, but what stands out most is the collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment throughout my graduate journey. One moment in particular was the night before my defense, when my colleague and seatmate, Akash Bajaj, offered invaluable support during a critical stage of preparation. That moment reflected the strong sense of community I was fortunate to be part of and continues to influence how I approach mentorship and collaboration today.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

The path in transportation engineering is rarely straightforward, but steady perseverance and a clear sense of purpose will move you forward. Research involves uncertainty, and progress comes from staying committed even when the direction is unclear. Build a strong technical foundation while remaining open to adjacent fields, as transportation challenges are inherently interdisciplinary. Engage with others, collaborate across disciplines, and recognize both major milestones and small victories. Ultimately, graduate studies shape not only your thesis, but also your thinking, resilience and ability to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Javier García Mainieri, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

My final exam, my PhD defense. I was truly ecstatic to share my research with friends, family and colleagues. Those who attended in person represented different parts of my life: classes, research, swimming, water polo, running, cycling and the friendships I built along the way. Others joined online from Germany, Chile, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Africa, Qatar, Chicago, New York, Arizona and Detroit (I hope I didn’t miss anyone).

Seeing them all show up meant a great deal to me. Their encouragement and celebratory spirit felt like the ultimate validation of seven and a half years of unwavering dedication — an unforgettable way to close this chapter.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Love what they do: Be dedicated, be passionate, be curious, be fearless, and find joy in everything they invest their time in.

Syed Husain, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

I consider myself extremely privileged to have shared my graduate school journey with some of the world’s smartest minds and warmest souls. Throughout my time as a PhD student at Illinois, I had several moments that I reflect on with gratitude. If I were to mention one, it would have to be the camaraderie shown by my lab colleagues during my PhD project fieldwork in Elkhart, Indiana, in late summer 2023. It was a grueling two-week sensor installation activity. Several of my colleagues helped prepare the sensors in the lab, and some even stayed with me on-site throughout the fieldwork. They did not hesitate one bit to help in the hot sun and ensure the success of the project. Their kindness was certainly beyond the call of duty, and for that reason, it is one of the fondest memories I will carry forward from my graduate studies at Illinois.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

First, I believe that during a healthy graduate school experience, and especially during a PhD, there comes a time when we may feel like we do not belong in the room and impostor syndrome kicks in. If this happens to you, take it as an indication that you are in the right room, with the potential to help you learn and grow. I cannot stress this enough: Learn whatever you can from every meaningful interaction you have, and make the most of the brilliant and collaborative colleagues at ICT and more broadly at Illinois. Second, invest your time in diversifying your portfolio. This means not only learning about other academic fields, but also cultivating a diverse network of individuals during your time as a graduate student. This will prepare you for the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of engineering in academia and industry. Finally, do not forget to have fun.

Aravind Ramakrishnan, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

My two favorite days were my defense day and my send-off party at ICT. Both reminded me that endings can be bittersweet, especially when the journey itself has been so joyful and fulfilling. My ICT colleagues, or rather, my ICT family, were a huge part of that journey, and I will always be grateful to have worked with and learned from such wonderful people. These moments gave me a chance to reflect on how meaningful the experience had been, both professionally and personally.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Be prepared to solve unique and evolving problems. The transportation landscape is changing rapidly with the growth of AI, advanced sensors and new mobility technologies, so keep your eyes and ears open and be willing to learn things that may not seem directly related to your field. At the same time, do not forget to take a step back and recharge once in a while — that is just as important. Maintaining balance will help you stay motivated, think clearly and perform at your best over the long run.

Bibek Regmi, master’s student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

Witnessing scientific research firsthand. It was incredibly inspiring to see complex ideas and innovations take shape and then be explained in a simple, practical way. Attending Kent Seminars and “The Bailey Method” workshop organized by ICT were some of the highlights of my time, as they kept me connected to emerging ideas and real-world advancements in the transportation field. These experiences not only deepened my understanding, but also strengthened my appreciation for how research translates into practice.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Participate in open houses, attend conferences and engage in seminars whenever possible. Just as importantly, value the collaborative and supportive environment around you. This kind of experience is rare, and it is one of the greatest strengths you will find at ICT. Building connections, staying curious and actively participating will make your graduate journey far more meaningful and rewarding.

Alexander Sandoval Campos, master’s student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

Participating as Santa during both ICT Winter Open Houses. Interacting with visitors and helping create joyful moments for children was incredibly rewarding and wholesome. It was especially meaningful to see how something simple could leave a lasting, positive impression on families and bring the community together.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Hard work truly pays off. If you are dedicated to achieving your goals and put your heart into what you do, positive outcomes will follow. There may be challenging times along the way, but it is important to remember that support is available. There are many useful and accessible resources, and you will find good people who are willing to help you succeed. Stay persistent, seek support when needed and trust the process.

Abdulgafar Sulaiman, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

I have many favorite memories from graduate school, especially the events that bring our group together and allow us to showcase our work. These include Engineering Open Houses, ICT tours, Bituminous conferences, Transportation Research Board Annual Meetings, National Society of Black Engineers Annual Conventions, as well as group lunches and dinners. Each of these experiences gave us the opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another and celebrate our work as a team. Overall, what stands out most is how we consistently did meaningful and exciting work together while building strong connections.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

CEE transportation students are among the smartest and most driven individuals in the world, and it is truly a privilege to work alongside them. Future students should recognize and make the most of this opportunity by actively engaging with their peers, learning from them and contributing to the community. At the same time, PhD students should always keep their long-term goal in focus: completing their dissertation. Staying disciplined, maintaining perspective and making steady progress will be key to success.

Shiyu Shen, doctoral student

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a graduate student?

ICT provides a supportive environment with exceptional mentors and peers. I particularly value the moments of working with the team to identify new problems and develop ideas. Spending time on a previously unsolved research challenge and eventually overcoming it has been very rewarding.

What is your advice to future CEE transportation students?

Life may be viewed as a nonlinear optimization problem with numerous decisions and constraints. Everyone faces a unique problem, and there may not be a single solution. Take the time you need to identify your own problem and pursue your own path.