Name: Ellie Schumacher Class Year: 2024 Major: Mathematics Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Internship Organization: ITS America Job Title: Policy Team Intern Location: Washington, DC (remote)
What’s happening at your internship?
ITS America (ITSA) is a nonprofit coalition that aims to make transportation safer, greener, and smarter. Structured as a member association, ITSA convenes transportation leaders from private firms, government agencies, research companies, and academia. The organization also promotes legislation and conducts research to increase deployment of intelligent transportation technologies.
As an intern, I support ITSA’s twenty full-time employees. Initially expecting to assist the policy team, I have also worked with the technical programs team and Vice Presidents of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs. I have gained unexpected and valuable perspectives on transportation policy and research due to ITSA’s mission-driven and collaborative workplace culture. Some of my projects have included…
Researching the database “EVHub” to inform the technical programs team about electric vehicle trends
Presenting at ITSA’s Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Deployer Taskforce to share relevant information about electric vehicles
Developing a digital resource library of resiliency resources from federal agencies and nonprofit organizations for ITSA’s Sustainability and Resiliency Standing Committee
Compiling research about transportation statistics to help with future ITSA marketing and events
Attending relevant congressional hearings and webinars to provide takeaways to the policy team
A sneak peek into research from EVHub
Why did you apply for this internship?
As a mathematics major, I am curious to learn how math can be applied to inform public policy. At ITSA, the intersection between the nonprofit causes and intelligent technology was intriguing. I could gain technical perspectives by working with data and researching new technologies, as well as have exposure to policy efforts. I felt inspired by ITSA’s mission to increase transportation equity and sustainability.
Remote work means lots of time with Zoey!
Thanks to ITSA's support and flexibility, I was also able to live in NYC for seven weeks and complete a biostatistics/data science program: SIBDS@Colombia. Here is me and my research partner presenting at a symposium.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship? What has been your favorite part of this internship?
During my internship search, I submitted applications through Handshake to any position that caught my eye—although this may not be the best advice, I shot for quantity over quality. One day, I was approached by my math professor after class. She asked if I had heard back from “the internship.” I had received many rejections but checked my email and was excited to discover ITSA reaching out for an interview. Through more conversation with my professor, I learned that an employee at ITSA was a Bryn Mawr math alumna, a connection that made ITSA stick out. With my professor’s support, I accepted the internship. I really appreciate how ITSA prioritized intern professional development by connecting us with many employees and encouraging mentorship. My informational interviews with senior staff members have been really inspiring. I have also received invaluable advice from my ITSA mentor, who ended up being the Bryn Mawr alumna! Bryn Mawr’s network was not only instrumental in finding this internship, but also essential for my career development. I am extremely grateful for my Bryn Mawr connections—you never know who you will meet and the impact they will have on your life.
