The 2024-2025 ELATES cohort. Cynthia Chen is third from the left in the front row.

Cynthia Chen, Interim Chair of the Industrial & Systems Engineering Department and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been chosen to join the 2024-2025 cohort of Drexel University's Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) fellowship program.

The ELATES program is a selective national leadership development initiative designed to advance women and faculty allies of all genders in STEM fields into senior leadership roles in academia. This year's cohort comprises 46 distinguished faculty members from 35 institutions across North America, representing a wide range of STEM disciplines.

Engineering Dean Nancy Allbritton nominated Professor Chen for this rigorous, year-long program. ELATES combines online learning with three intensive in-person sessions in Philadelphia, focusing on enhancing leadership effectiveness, managing institutional change, strategic resource management, and building a powerful network of STEM leaders.

As an expert in transportation systems and human mobility behavior, Chen has held several leadership positions at the UW and nationally, including her current role as interim chair of ISE and as a past program director (2017-2019) with the National Science Foundation. Her research spans sustainable urban systems, human mobility, and resilience planning and response.

"I'm so honored to be part of this exceptional ELATES cohort," said Chen. "This program offers a unique opportunity to expand my leadership skills and connect with other STEM leaders. I'm particularly excited about the potential to drive positive change not only within the UW but across the broader academic community."

Sharon L. Walker, Executive Director of ELATES and Dean of Drexel's College of Engineering, expressed enthusiasm for the incoming class: "We are excited to welcome one of our biggest classes of Fellows into the ELATES community," said Walker. "Each Fellow participating in the 11th cohort of ELATES brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience as well as a unique perspective that will enhance and enrich the overall experience of the program and further our mission of advancing and supporting women as leaders in STEM."

The ELATES program will conclude in March 2025 with a symposium where Fellows will present institutional action projects developed in collaboration with their home organizations' leadership.

Chen's participation in ELATES aligns with the University of Washington's commitment to fostering diverse leadership in STEM fields. Her experience and insights gained from the program are expected to contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of the College of Engineering and the broader UW community.