Members of NYU Tandon’s ITE student chapter triumph in this year’s “Traffic Bowl”

During his initial 2004 run on the hit game show Jeopardy!, Ken Jennings secured a record-setting consecutive 74 wins. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) — an international membership association of professionals who work to improve mobility and safety for all transportation system users and help build smart and livable communities — has been holding its annual Jeopardy-style “Traffic Bowl” only since 2009, and NYU Tandon’s ITE student chapter is well on its way to Jennings-level glory.

The competition tests students' knowledge of transportation planning, engineering, and ITE-related topics — with a few twists thrown in. This year, the NYU Tandon team earned its sixth consecutive first-place finish in the Northeastern District Championship, which was hosted here in Brooklyn. Team members, who major in Civil and Urban Engineering (CUE) and other disciplines, will next be headed to the grand championship tournament, being held in Orlando, Florida, in August, during the ITE International Annual Meeting and Exhibition.

“The team’s hard work, preparation, and depth of knowledge continue to set a gold standard,” CUE Department Chair Magued Iskander says. “This victory is not only a testament to their talent and dedication, but also to the exceptional education and mentorship happening here at NYU. We are all incredibly proud of them and look forward to cheering them on at the Grand Championship!

Get to know the team

Matthew Fiore (Team Captain, Class of 2025)

Civil Engineering Major (Minor in Transportation)

As a lifelong New Yorker, I have always been fascinated by public transit systems. I am looking forward to a career where I can improve public transportation for all. This has already taken shape for me as I've spent the past two years interning at Amtrak working on the design for the future renovation of New York Penn Station. After graduation, I will be joining Keolis Commuter Services in Boston as a Schedule Improvement Analyst to enhance the MBTA Commuter Rail system.

I joined ITE during my first semester at NYU due to my existing interest in transportation. It was the only student club of its kind at Tandon, so it was natural for me to become a member. My involvement in our ITE student chapter has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Tandon. I've made countless industry connections through club events that have expanded my circle of friends and landed me job offers.

I chose to attend NYU Tandon due to the transportation program offered by the Civil and Urban Engineering Department. While small, it is one of the most extensive transportation programs offered at any university in the Northeast United States. Plus, the location in New York City, where all modes of transportation are easily accessible, makes it a perfect place to learn about transportation. My favorite part of being here has been the ability for me to truly enjoy the things I'm passionate about, mainly transportation. From all of the amazing experiences I've had through ITE, to having the flexibility to intern at Amtrak for two years while still graduating in four years, Tandon has provided me with a unique opportunity to be immersed in the transportation industry as a student.

The most valuable thing I've learned at NYU Tandon and through our ITE student chapter is how to be a leader. I've had numerous opportunities to bring people together for events of all types, having served on the executive board of three clubs over the course of my time here. Truly being a leader requires a lot of effort, but the reward of making a lasting impact on people is well worth it. I know this skill will be extremely useful as I begin my career.

Michael Mardirossian (Class of 2025)

Sustainable Urban Environments Major

I've always been fascinated by the planning aspect of the subway and of metro systems around the world, and I joined ITE after learning about it from Matthew, whom I knew thru a mutual friend.

It was an easy choice to come to Tandon; I’ve always known about the school because I grew up in Brooklyn, and my father works here. I’ll be attending NYU Wagner next year to earn a master’s degree in Urban Planning. After that, I’d like to remain in the city and work to improve issues in housing, transportation, and affordability, maybe with a role in local government.

It would be difficult to pinpoint the most valuable thing I’ve learned during my time here, or a single favorite aspect, but certainly the friends I’ve made, the classes I’ve taken, and the professors I’ve learned from would all count as highlights.

Stephen Martone (Class of 2026)

Business and Technology Management Major (Minor in Transportation)

It has always been my goal in life to work in management and/or planning in public transportation for the New York Metropolitan Area, because it is home to the largest public transit agencies in the United States. Other transportation agencies in the Northeast or abroad could be interesting as well.

I chose NYU Tandon because of the potential to minor in Transportation and because it’s home to C2SMARTER, a Tier 1 University Transportation Center. And because my main interest in life is obviously transportation, it was natural for me to join ITE as soon as I could.

I like that Tandon provides a relatively small environment but still offers amazing classes taught by amazing professors. If I had to give any future students a piece of advice, it would be to always have at least one person in your group who challenges you in order to help develop a better solution to whatever problem you’re working on.

Marisa Triola (Class of 2028)

Computer Science Major (Minor in Transportation)

I chose Tandon because of the many interesting academic opportunities that I knew it would provide to me as a student. I've found it to be a really friendly environment and tight-knit community.

I learned about ITE at Club Fest, when the organizers asked if I happened to like trains, which I really do. Then, I ended up participating in the Traffic Bowl because I am a fan of learning esoteric information of the type we studied to prepare.

The most valuable thing I’ve learned so far is how to collaborate effectively. This has been important not only in the Traffic Bowl, where we worked together to memorize a lot of traffic-related information, but in my classes as well.

Because I’m still a first-year student, I’m not quite sure of my professional goals yet, but there are a multitude of career paths relating to my major and interests.