Matthew Schomacker Wins 2020 APTF Bombardier Scholarship
Matthew Schomacker, a class of 2021 BS/MS Civil Engineering student from Maynard, Massachusetts recently received the 2020 Bombardier Transportation Scholarship from the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF). The award is presented to “an applicant studying rail engineering with the intent to pursue a career in the rail manufacturing industry or public transit.”
With climate change and environmental issues on the rise, sustainability is an important mission of civil engineering. Schomacker hopes to be involved in addressing these challenges through innovating public transportation to enable businesses and communities to grow. With global experiences in Europe and Asia, Schomacker has learned that public transit can be made to facilitate people’s lives. “As I progress further in my career, I will strive to play a bigger role in shaping these projects in Boston and across the country”.
Initially accepted into Northeastern as an undeclared engineering student, classwork and weekly ASCE/ITE lectures from industry professionals motivated him to major in civil engineering. His passion for big machinery as a kid and fascination with maps since middle school has led him to pursue a career in transportation.
APTF’s collaboration with transit agencies regarding challenges and upcoming technologies has been a valuable learning experience for Schomacker. Through the Bombardier Scholarship, he attended the APTF annual conference, a unique networking opportunity.
Matthew has participated in multiple co-ops at HDR Inc., and HNTB Inc. His most recent project was on the rebuild of the draw bridges over the Charles River at North Station. The project involved rebuilding the tracks entering the station and streamlining train movements to reduce delays. “It has allowed me to further grow as an engineer and work on a project that will improve the commute for thousands of people.” he said.
Additionally, Matthew is also the recipient of the 2018 Bombardier Transportation Scholarship, 2019 Jim Lammie/Parson’s Brinckerhoff Scholarship, and 3 ACEC scholarships.