Wendy Tao was a business innovator, gifted scholar, and a global leader with a passion for sustainable transport and smart cities. She spent much of her career in the intersections between countries and strongly believed that sharing international experience is important for solving local transportation challenges. Through her work and life, Wendy touched and inspired so many people around her with her kindness, courage, and resourcefulness. She tragically passed away in 2022.
The Wendy Tao International Smart Cities Scholarship seeks to continue Wendy’s energy and passion for sustainable transport and smart cities, supporting curious, mission-driven individuals who are committed to finding solutions to transportation challenges.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to professionals and graduate students conducting research in sustainable transport and smart cities. The research can have a national or international focus, with applicability to California.
Professionals can be at any stage of their career.
Graduate students should have completed at least one semester of studies.
Focus
The scholarship supports innovative, discrete projects related to sustainable transport and smart cities that can bring international (non-U.S.) experience to bear in California. Projects should be inspired by this scholarship and should include at least one international trip. The funds are to be used to offset travel expenses (airfare, lodging, meals) and other costs associated with an international project.
Projects could include a broad range of activities — expert or government interviews, data collection, conference participation, collaborative work, visits to businesses or government agencies, tours and inspections of transportation systems, and more. Projects funded through this scholarship can be a discrete component of a larger consulting or dissertation project, as long as the component can be completed within the scholarship duration specified below. Applicants are encouraged to be creative, brave, and resourceful.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
The scholarship will provide $5,000 to one recipient each year as long as it remains funded. The scholarship will be awarded by April each year, and recipients are expected to have completed their projects by April the following year.
Application Format
Applicants should submit an essay one to two pages in length. The essay should include the following elements:
A brief overview of applicant’s education, experience, and interest in sustainable transport and smart cities
A description of the applicant’s project, and how learning from the project might be applied in California
A brief description of how the project will enhance the applicant’s professional development or graduate studies
Inquiries
Questions should be directed to fellowship4wendy@gmail.com.
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Support this Scholarship
This scholarship is currently funded through donations from Wendy's family, friends, and colleagues. Please consider supporting our effort by making a tax-deductible contribution using this donorbox link>>