Trey Baker, a 2006 Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) graduate of Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, recently won a prestigious award from his employer, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). During his time at the Bush School, Trey worked on the “High Speed Rail Feasibility” capstone project, where he connected with TTI as part of his research. TTI was impressed by Trey’s work; and after graduation, he was hired full-time as an assistant transportation researcher in TTI’s Austin, TX, office. He has since been promoted to associate transportation researcher.
“My capstone research project, which required us to work with real world clients on real world policy issues, was extremely valuable in developing my research, critical thinking, and analytical abilities,” says Baker. “Those skills, along with the experience of working with a great team and the professional connections I made, have been invaluable to my career.”
The New Researcher Awards are presented annually to young researchers at TTI who show particular promise early in their careers. Award winners are nominated by their colleagues, and the final selection is made by an anonymous committee. Each winner receives a financial stipend funded by Trinity Industries, a long-time partner of TTI in roadside safety devices.
Trey was recognized with this award for his accomplishments in transportation policy research, his astute attention to detail, and his outstanding oral and written presentation skills.
