Ziyue Li

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I chose to pursue a graduate degree to strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing me to approach challenges from different perspectives. These abilities are highly transferable and valuable in both professional and personal decision-making. I chose FSU because my research vision aligns closely with my advisor’s work in transportation engineering.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I study transportation systems with a focus on improving the efficiency, equity, and sustainability. My research develops data-driven models to optimize system operations, infrastructure investment, and travel demand management. My work is important because it supports transit planning decisions that enhance mobility and reduce environmental and economic costs.

Career aspirations

I aim to become a tenure-track assistant professor in transportation engineering, industrial engineering, urban planning, or spatial data science. I hope to contribute to the development and improvement of the U.S. transportation systems.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Please think about what you truly love by listening to your heart. That is what will guide you to the right path for your graduate study.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud of my publication titled "Joint optimization of capacity expansion timing and increment in airport terminals: addressing stochastic demand and logistic growth" in the top journal Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2025.105347). This is especially meaningful to me because I put significant effort in the mathematical modeling and numerical experiments, and it is my first publication in the top journal.