NyJa’ Kennedy is a traffic engineer at Wells + Associates, specializing in roadway design and traffic engineering.
NyJa’ is passionate about designing transportation solutions that not only meet technical standards but also improve the lives of the communities by contributing to safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation systems. She handles traffic simulation and modeling; traffic signal design; warrant analyses for all-way stops, traffic signals, pedestrian hybrid beacons, and turn lanes; and the preparation of visual and technical materials for traffic engineering projects.
She has hands-on experience in geometric design development, traffic signal layouts, field data collection, and analysis, using industry-standard tools such as MicroStation, AutoCAD Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, Synchro Studio, and PTV Vissim. NyJa’ is also experienced in redesigning roadway corridors to improve traffic flow, lighting, and pedestrian accessibility; working on geometric designs for roadway segments; and the design of roadway infrastructure projects.
NyJa’ began her career in traffic engineering as a transportation technician at the Michigan Department of Transportation and as an engineering technician at the Texas Department of Transportation. As an undergraduate student in engineering, she was on the Dean’s Honor Roll and was accepted into the Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program.
Q + A
- What got you interested in transportation?
- Growing up in North New Jersey, I often traveled to New York City and was especially fascinated by going through the Lincoln Tunnel. As a kid, I was always curious about how massive structures like tunnels and the George Washington Bridge were built. In 8th grade, I started researching and learned that civil engineers are responsible for designing and constructing these kinds of projects. The more I explored, the more interested I became, and I eventually realized that I want to pursue a career in transportation engineering so I can design and build projects. I’m especially interested in working with roadways, focusing on the safety of the public, and seeing the real-world results of the hard work that goes into creating reliable and efficient infrastructure.
- What is your personal life philosophy?
- My personal life philosophy is to keep growing, stay curious, and be open to new opportunities.
- Favorite fast food chain?
- Cava
- How do you like to relax?
- I like to relax by enjoying a perfect spa day, where I can unwind, recharge, and take a break.
- If you could live in any other time period, what would it be?
- The 1980’s
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Prairie View A&M University
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Certification