Alexia Watson, a sophomore civil engineering major at The College of New Jersey, was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Intelligent Transportation Society of New Jersey (ITSNJ) Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. The honor recognizes her dedication to transportation research, commitment to equity, and leadership within the TCNJ community.
Watson spent Summer 2024 as a participant in TCNJ’s Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE), where she worked under the guidance of civil engineering professor Dr. Thomas Brennan. Her research focused on transportation equity and the development of performance metrics to evaluate how arterial roadways can be transformed into more human-centric systems. Drawing on both real-time traffic data and ArcGIS mapping tools, she analyzed traffic patterns across Mercer County to highlight disparities in access and mobility.
“Alexia demonstrated an exceptional ability to quickly learn new research skills and think analytically about improving our process,” said Brennan. “She stood out for her initiative, precision, and innovative approach to data analysis—traits not often seen at such an early stage in an engineering student’s academic journey.”
Beyond the classroom and lab, Watson is actively involved in campus life. She currently serves as secretary and senator for the TCNJ chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. She is also a member of the college’s Peer Mentoring Program and looks forward to serving as a mentor to underclassmen next academic year.
Watson aspires to pursue a career as a transportation engineer in New Jersey and plans to continue her studies in graduate school.
“She is dependable, collaborative, and deeply committed to making transportation systems more equitable and efficient,” Brennan added. “I have no doubt she will make a meaningful impact in the field.”
The ITSNJ Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award celebrates rising engineers who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving transportation in New Jersey.
