Railway Research: A Feature on Komal Sandhu
Komal Sandhu, a fourth-year Civil Engineering major, has been researching how to enhance the rail and transit sectors in our valley, particularly as many residents lack access to reliable transportation. She recently presented her findings at the national American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Komal shares her experience of attending Fresno State below.
“Hello everyone! My name is Komal Sandhu, and I am a fourth-year Smittcamp student majoring in Civil Engineering at Fresno State. My journey here has been incredibly rewarding, particularly through my involvement in various clubs. I am proud to serve as President of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), Treasurer of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Recording Secretary of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honors society.
“From a young age, I have always been drawn to design and construction, captivated by the beauty and complexity of structures like bridges and skyscrapers. This fascination prompted me to ask, ‘How are these incredible feats of engineering created?’ My passion for the field was nurtured during a STEM class in middle school, where my teacher recognized my enthusiasm and encouraged me to attend an engineering summer camp at Fresno State. That experience was transformative and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in engineering.
“I am currently specializing in structural engineering, and I am working at Cornerstone Structural Engineering Group, a local design firm in Fresno. In addition to my role there, I am also an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Dr. Ching Chiaw Choo and Dr. John Gregory Green at the Lyles College of Engineering (LCOE). My research focuses on developing effective internship programs in the freight railroad, passenger railway, and transit sectors. The rail industry in the United States is experiencing a decline in recent graduates, leading to a shortage of skilled professionals. My research aims to uncover students’ current exposure to the rail industry, their motivations for applying to various programs, and the key elements they seek in internship opportunities. I have also collaborated with companies to analyze their recruitment strategies, aiming to find innovative ways to attract and retain talent in this essential field.
“Recently, I had the honor of presenting my research findings at the national AREMA conference in Louisville, Kentucky. This incredible opportunity, facilitated by Dr. Green, allowed me to share my insights with industry leaders and educational professionals. This experience was pivotal in my academic journey, teaching me not only the intricacies of conducting research from start to finish but also offering valuable personal insights. I never imagined I would travel across the country to present a project I worked on for months. This experience reaffirmed that I am on the right career path and inspired me to continue pushing myself toward growth.
“The Central Valley holds a special place in my heart. Growing up here, I am grateful for the opportunities this region has provided my family. My parents immigrated from India and have made the Central Valley their home. My upbringing in San Joaquin and Fowler instilled in me a deep appreciation for community and the small joys in life. This sense of family continues at Fresno State and within the Smittcamp Family Honors College, where I know I can always find support.
“Through my research, I aim to enhance the rail and transit sectors in our valley, particularly as many residents lack access to reliable transportation. By attracting more graduates to this field, we can develop the infrastructure necessary for our community’s growth. Ultimately, I aspire to design structures that address the needs of the Central Valley and engage in outreach to underserved communities. My experiences at Fresno State have been incredible, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”