Visiting Post Doc Researcher Dr. Anteneh Afework Mekonnen Shares Thoughts on Chicago and UIC
Urban Transportation Center Hosted Urban Mobility Scholar
The weeks between semesters provide an opportunity for scholars from around the world to spend time at academic institutions. During July and August, the Urban Transportation Center hosted a visit by Dr. Anteneh Afework Mekonnen, a mobility scholar based in The Netherlands. Here are his recollections from time spent in Chicago and on the UIC campus.
"This past summer, I had the chance to visit Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). It was a great experience that exposed me to new ideas about cities, transportation, and academic work.
"Chicago is a dynamic and diverse city. Its skyline, the neighborhoods, and the public spaces are stunning. The city combines both historic and modern elements. It’s a great example of how urban areas can grow and change while still keeping their unique character.
"Being involved in urban mobility, I paid special attention to the city’s public transit system. The rapid transit “L” train is a symbol of the city. It connects various parts of the city and plays a big role in the daily commute for Chicagoans and visitors. The Chicago Transit Authority buses are also the main pillars of the city’s transit system. I was reliant on the buses for daily commuting during my stay in the city. Of course, there are some areas that could definitely be improved, but it was evident how important public transportation is for the city to thrive. And I survived without needing a private car! I was surprised to find shared bike systems, especially around the downtown and university areas, though I didn’t try them as I was scared of bumping into a Tesla cyber truck!
"The UIC campus felt very much a part of the city. It’s large and open. UTC Public Information Coordinator Edward M. Bury walked me around the campus and its facilities during a few lunch break walks, and he was very good at explaining the functionalities and histories. Thank you Ed.
"My time at the Urban Transportation Center as a visiting researcher was a huge experience. I was surrounded by individuals passionate about improving transportation. The faculty, staff, and students were generous with their time and ideas. I gained valuable insights into how cities in the U.S. tackle transportation challenges and even shared my experiences from Africa and Europe.
"Overall, my summer in Chicago and at UIC was an eye-opening experience. The lessons I learned will certainly support my work on sustainable transportation in both Africa and Europe. I would like to thank the EIT Urban Mobility Doctoral Training Network for generously funding my research visit."