During my first semester at Virginia Tech, I actively took part in another project titled “Signalized Intersection Analysis – Prices Fork Road and Heather Drive”. The objective of the project was to evaluate and optimize the operation of an isolated signalized intersection in the Town of Blacksburg.

1. What did I learn creating this work?

I learned more about how traffic signals work and function in the United States. I also got to learn more about how the phasing in signals work and how traffic signals are optimized.

2. How can the skills I used creating this work be used in other areas of my life?

Since this was a team project, I learned how to work with people and how to accommodate different ideas and opinions. I also learned how to stick to deadlines and developed time efficiency.

3. What areas of my life (curricular and co-curricular) are connected in this work?

Since I am a student studying Transportation Infrastructure and Systems Engineering, this is directly connected to increasing my knowledge on the know-hows of the field of engineering.

4. What lessons have I learned? What would I have done differently? Why?

There were few hiccups that my teammate and I faced while working on this project that dealt with simulation and optimization. When we finally realized how small the error was, it surprised us both as to how we overlooked it. This project taught me not to overlook small details of any work but to pay more attention to details.
When asked what I would have done differently, I believe I should have paid more attention to details and also consulted experts in the field to understand the subject better.

5. How did this project help me become a better professional/student?

Given how this is the area of engineering that I want to work on, it gave me a better insight into the field of Traffic Engineering. I believe only having such hands-on experience and practical training helps a student be ready for the corporate world.