Source: David Holguín
By David Orlando Holguín Mejía
As excitement mounts for the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) International Collegiate Traffic Bowl finals, Purdue University’s team is drawing attention not only for its academic prowess but for its collaborative spirit. Among the standout competitors is David Holguín Mejía, a master’s student in Transportation and Infrastructure Systems Engineering, who, along with teammates Myles Overall and Carmen Caserio, represented Purdue University on this national stage on July 22nd in Philadelphia, PA.
David’s journey to this point is as impressive as it is inspiring. A proud alumnus of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá campus, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, David has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing his field. His involvement in the 2021-II cohort of the Undergraduate Research Experience Purdue - Colombia (UREP-C) marked the beginning of a promising career that blends academic excellence with practical insights.
Source: David Holguín
Now, in his second year at Purdue under the guidance of Dr. Samuel Labi and Dr. Nadia Gkritza, David focuses on the sustainability of road infrastructure development—a vital area of research that promises to reshape how we think about our transportation networks. His work not only enhances his academic profile but also prepares him for real-world challenges, such as those he will face in the Traffic Bowl.
The Traffic Bowl, a jeopardy-style competition, is not just a test of memory but a showcase of deep understanding. Competitors like David must draw on their knowledge of ITE, along with transportation planning and engineering, to navigate through tricky questions and complex scenarios.
The Purdue team, representing both the university and the ITE Great Lakes District, is set to bring their A-game to the national stage. Their participation underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive, propelling students like David into the spotlight.
Stay tuned as we cheer on David and the Purdue team in their quest for victory at the ITE International Collegiate Traffic Bowl!