In this episode, Adrian Cottom, an assistant research professor at Auburn University, shares his journey into the world of transportation research and data analytics. He explains how his fascination with math and science led him to the world of engineering, eventually focusing on transportation engineering due to its broad impact on people’s lives.
Adrian encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and explore new opportunities, highlighting that sometimes, interests are discovered along the way. The episode also tackles the challenges faced during graduate school, emphasizing the critical need for time management and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Adrian offers valuable advice on resilience and not letting failures define one’s journey.
For aspiring graduate students, he underscores the significance of careful consideration and exploration before committing to the academic path. Adrian’s journey from undergraduate to research professor serves as an inspiring narrative, demonstrating the power of curiosity, adaptability, and persistence in building a fulfilling career in engineering and academia. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of transportation engineering, data science, and personal growth in the field of academia.