CCNY’s Ibrahima Fall is a Transportation Research Board (TRB) Minority Student Fellow

Ibrahima Fall: A Fellow in the Transportation Research Board Minority Student Fellowship

Ibrahima Fall, a student majoring in civil engineering at the City College of New York, has been selected as a fellow in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Minority Student Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship program aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in the transportation field and in Transportation Research Board activities.

Emphasizing Diversity in Transportation Solutions

The Minority Student Fellows Program was established by the Transportation Research Board in 2010 to ensure that solutions to transportation problems consider diverse perspectives. The program actively encourages research, ideas, and solutions from individuals with different backgrounds.

Real-World Insights and Professional Network

Fall believes that this fellowship will provide him with valuable insights into the field of transportation. He expects to gain real-world experience, build a strong professional network, and enhance his confidence for future endeavors.

Gratitude to Mentors and Supportive Community

Fall expresses his gratitude to the City College of New York, particularly the Grove School of Engineering, for their instrumental support throughout his journey. He acknowledges Professor Naresh Devineni as his mentor, who has consistently guided him in his research endeavors. Fall also extends his thanks to Professor Alison Conway for her nomination and support.

Engagement in Professional Organizations

Fall is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Structural Engineer Association of New York City (SEAoNY), and the African Student Union (ASU). He is also associated with the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and The S Jay Levy Fellowship for Future Leaders.

Future Plans

Upon graduating in 2025, Fall plans to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering.

About The City College of New York

The City College of New York, established in 1847, has been providing high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in various disciplines. The college is committed to being at the forefront of social change.

Recognized for Mobility and Economic Return on Investment

The Harvard-based Opportunity Insights ranks CCNY as the #1 selective public college in the United States for overall mobility index. This index reflects both access and outcomes, indicating the likelihood of a CCNY student moving up two or more income quintiles. Additionally, Degree Choices, an education research organization, ranks CCNY as the #1 university nationally for economic return on investment.

Academic Excellence and Economic Impact

The Center for World University Rankings places CCNY in the top 1.8% of universities worldwide in terms of academic excellence. Furthermore, labor analytics firm Emsi (now Lightcast) estimates CCNY’s annual economic impact on the regional economy (including the 5 boroughs and 5 adjacent counties) to be $1.9 billion. CCNY is dedicated to providing a significant return on investment to students, taxpayers, and society.

Diverse and Visionary Institution

With over 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight schools and divisions, City College is driven by funded research, creativity, and scholarship. The college recently launched its most expansive fundraising campaign, titled “Doing Remarkable Things Together,” with the goal of surpassing $1 billion in total assets to support its mission. CCNY reflects the diversity, dynamism, and vision of New York City itself.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

Explanation of Findings

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   The article mentions that Ibrahima Fall is a student majoring in civil engineering and is pursuing a master’s degree in the future. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure equal access to quality education, including tertiary education. The specific target identified is Target 4.3, which focuses on equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 4.3.1, which measures the participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The article mentions that Ibrahima Fall is involved in research endeavors and is a member of engineering associations. This relates to SDG 9, which aims to enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities. The specific target identified is Target 9.5, which focuses on encouraging innovation and increasing research and development workers and spending. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 9.5.1, which measures research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article mentions that the Transportation Research Board seeks to address transportation problems from diverse perspectives. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems. The specific target identified is Target 11.2, which focuses on providing access to safe and sustainable transport systems for all. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 11.2.1, which measures the proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   The article mentions the Transportation Research Board’s Minority Student Fellows Program, which aims to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the transportation field. This relates to SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for achieving the goals. The specific target identified is Target 17.17, which aims to encourage and promote effective partnerships. The indicator that can be used to measure progress towards this target is Indicator 17.17.1, which measures the amount of funding committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators