Siwei Hu, PhD, Transportation Systems Engineering
Siwei Hu will graduate with a PhD in Transportation Systems Engineering on June 16 in the Bren Events Center.
What is your favorite memory at UCI?
My favorite memory at UCI isn’t a single moment, but rather the countless hours I spent working on my dissertation, “Stable Day-to-day Departure Time Dynamics at the Corridor and Network Levels: Models, Optimal Pricing, and Applications.” One of the most exciting moments was when I finally found a Lyapunov function to prove the stability of the multi-class dynamical system I had been working on—it was a true breakthrough.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll be continuing at UCI as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Medicine, working with Dr. Federico E. Vaca on traffic safety research.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next few years, I will focus on traffic safety research as a postdoctoral scholar with Dr. Vaca. Looking ahead, I see myself as both a scientist and an engineer—dedicated to solving real-world problems through rigorous research. I want my research to have an ever-lasting impact on this ever-changing world. I aspire to contribute to lasting advancements in vehicle safety, with the goal of informing and supporting innovation across the transportation industry.
Who was your biggest influence at UCI?
My biggest influence is my advisor, Professor R. (Jay) Jayakrishnan. I’ll never forget attending a conference during my fourth year—at that point, I hadn’t published any papers. A host professor casually said, “Good luck with your studies, whether you’re just starting or about to finish.” Professor Jayakrishnan responded, “Professor Hyland and I are happy with Siwei’s progress—he’s the picky one.” His sentence turned me from an unproductive student to a picky student. I am deeply grateful for it, and I will never forget that.
I’m also deeply grateful to Professor Michael F. Hyland and Professor Wen-Long Jin. Professor Hyland taught me the value of precision and attention to detail. Professor Jin, who spent 12 years solving one challenging problem, inspired me with his patience, perseverance, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before coming to UCI?
Stay focused. It’s okay to say no—your time is limited, and it’s important to invest it in what matters most to you. Find what excites you the most, and pursue it with purpose—it just might become your life’s work.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I’m a dancer! One of my most memorable experiences was performing at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall—the largest concert hall in Orange County. Back in college in China, in order to meet someone special, I joined the campus dance group, which had many talented female dancers. Unfortunately, nobody fell in love with me, so I fell in love with dancing. That’s how my passion for dancing began.