How do we collectively build a more sustainable transportation network? 

Join fellow students and working professionals in examining our transportation network, how it was built, who it was built for, and how to build a transportation network for current century and beyond. Explore the intersections between transportation, land use, natural resources, the economy. Discuss concepts related to social equity, climate, green energy, and comprehensive planning, while learning methods to make transportation systems more sustainable.

Students: Enroll in CAS 2920 A

The Student Experience: 

Students will be assigned to transportation planning projects—including the Sustainable Transportation Vermont (STVT) blog--that match their interests and academic goals. Past partners have included: CATMA, Green Mountain Transit, NRPC, Birchline Planning, and various Town Planning Offices across Vermont.

Time commitment: Students are expected to complete 100 hours of work for their community partner project (which is around 8 hours per week) plus weekly class time and short, contextual assignments. This program is designed to match the amount of work required of a typical academic course. 

Program Objectives:

  1. Examine how the built environment shapes our transportation options, and the range of solutions available.
  2. Develop grounded solutions to reduce automobility and increase sustainable solutions that increase mobility and access.
  3. Understand how the location, design, culture and policies of the places you have lived, have shaped your mobility options.
  4. Interact with planning professionals and advocates to gain an understanding of transportation planning.

Faculty Mentor:

Ravi Venkataraman (he/him)

Ravi Venkataraman is currently a transportation planner for the City of Burlington. He previously served as the Town Planner for the Town of Richmond in Vermont, and the DRB Coordinator and Assistant Zoning Officer for the Town of Shelburne in Vermont. He holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Planning, Governance and Globalization. He enjoys running and biking around town, and, occasionally, making waffles on Saturday mornings.

 

QUICK HELP:

Contact the College of Arts & Sciences Internship Team with questions.

Credit information:

The Sustainable Transportation Community of Practice counts as elective internship credit.

If students' internship placements are related to their major or minor, they can request that the credit count toward their major or minor by contacting their department chairperson.

ENVS Capstone:

Students wishing to use this program for their ENVS capstone should contact Vic Izzo for more information and approval.