2023 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting: Reflections

Reflections from EMBERlab member and conference presenter Trisha Litong:

My time at the 2023 TRB Annual Meeting was life-changing, to say the least. Not only was it my first time in D.C., but also the first time I’ve gotten to travel to present my research at a conference. In the days before my poster presentation, I attended numerous sessions ranging in topics from institutionalizing equity in transportation to community engagement efforts led by the Federal Aviation Administration. Two of the more relevant topics to my research regarding equity-based mobility programs were the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. I learned of Congress and the US Department of Transportation plans to promote uptake of electric vehicles through credits and investing in charging stations for communities across the country. These sessions helped further contextualize and prove the relevancy of my research, shaping the trajectory of my future research in the equity-transportation space.

Me and Sita on our first day!

On my last day of the conference, I presented at the Current Research in Transportation Equity poster session. I loved talking to so many people who expressed genuine and personal interest in my research. I talked with at least 30 people in the hour and 45 minutes I had. Many people enjoyed the novelty of using journey mapping to investigate equity-related policy and programs. Some of my audience suggested applying journey mapping to solar panel programs, FEMA outreach, and HVAC stripping programs abroad. Through these conversations, I had the idea to use journey mapping as an equity assessment tool. I could use this human-centered framework and my recommendations for the Clean Cars 4 All program as a baseline for creating the “ideal mobility program” for low-income and disadvantaged communities. As I continue my research on the CC4A program and its statewide expansion, I hope to work hand-in-hand with new administrators of the program, offering my tools to help them define and achieve their equity goals. 

With my parents before presenting at my poster session.

Fireside chat with the DoT and DoE.

Overall, my trip to D.C. was both rewarding and validating. Understanding the impact my research could have in numerous programs, policies, and industries, I feel reinvigorated to continue my work.

Exploring D.C. with my parents!