Faculty Spotlight- Susie Pike
As research faculty at the Institute of Transportation Studies and Director of the Transit Research Center, I center my research on sustainable transportation, travel behavior, and environmental policy. I was so excited to join EPM as a faculty advisor, and look forward to working with students interested in transportation and bridging the gap between the classroom and the 'real world'—connecting our students directly with the practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders who are shaping California’s future.
What drew you to research in transportation?
I was inspired to work on transportation by a nagging question I had, when working as an environmental planner before starting grad school.Why were we widening roads to ‘mitigate’ transportation impacts? We mostly don’t do it that way anymore, but asking this question about this counterintuitive practice led me to the TTP program. I have continued to work on research in transportation because I am very interested in understanding why people can and cannot make choices that are better for the environment and how policies and investments can enable more people to make more sustainable transportation choices.
What are you currently researching or working on?
Since founding the UC Davis Transit Research Center in 2021, I’ve focused on making public transit work for everyone. Recently I’ve been exploring open-loop or tap-to-pay systems for public transit that can unintentionally leave out or create challenges for unbanked riders. I’ve found that providing choice in payment methods will best serve all transit riders; and what the transit agencies need in order to do so.
How do you stay inspired or avoid burnout in academia?
I teach! My main appointment at UC Davis is in research. Being in the classroom and engaging with students I learn about their fresh perspectives, and I am inspired by how motivated and committed they can be.Their commitment to finding solutions keeps me focused on why this research matters in the first place.
I also love hosting our annual Transit Research Symposium. I always meet new people who care about building on research to make public transit better for everyone. This year’s event is coming up on April 23 and we’re very excited to be holding a career fair as part of this year’s fifth anniversary symposium!
What is a piece of advice you would give to students interested in transportation policy?
Two things - read! In an age of headlines and soundbites, the ability to digest a dry, technical 50-page policy report is an extremely important skill. It is only through digging into the details and sorting through complexity that we can best understand our current environmental challenges, and identify potential solutions.
Second - stay engaged! Talk to everyone—from the bus driver and the local planner to your neighbors, to the consultant and the commuter. Building connections now isn't just about networking; it’s about learning how the world actually works.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I’ve practiced and taught the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira in Davis for twenty years. It’s a beautiful, complex blend of fighting, dance, music, and strategy. Capoeira is all about movement and community—it has allowed me to connect with an incredible global network of people that spans far beyond the university.