Elliot Levy '26: Designing the Systems Behind the Road
April 21, 2026
In the summer before her senior year, Elliot Levy ’26 gained hands-on experience in infrastructure and engineering through her work with Transurban Limited, a global leader in developing and operating toll road systems.
Transurban’s work spans the development, financing, and operation of toll roads across North America and Australia, with a focus on improving traffic flow and reducing congestion through advanced technology.
Based in Virginia, Elliot contributed to the construction of toll panels—essential components that support the electronic tolling systems used on major highways. These panels enable cashless tolling by allowing sensors and communication systems to accurately track vehicles and process transactions without interrupting traffic flow.
Her work began with drafting circuit designs, mapping out how each panel would function and ensuring components operated efficiently together. From there, she helped set up and program an automated wire-cutting machine—an early step that streamlined production and required both precision and problem-solving.
She then moved into assembly, installing batteries and integrating additional components based on her designs—an aspect of the work she described as “really fun.” Each completed panel contributed to a broader infrastructure network supporting seamless, high-volume travel across major corridors.
In addition to her technical responsibilities, Elliot gained exposure to the collaborative side of engineering by participating in company meetings, where she observed how teams coordinate across disciplines to design, test, and implement systems at scale.
The experience offered Elliot a clear view into how engineering concepts translate into real-world impact. By the end of the summer, she had not only contributed to a complex infrastructure project but also developed a deeper understanding of the systems that quietly support daily life for millions of drivers.
Back on campus, Elliot carries that experience into her work at ESD, where opportunities to design, build, and problem-solve in real-world contexts reflect the school’s commitment to preparing students not just for college, but for meaningful contributions beyond it. She will continue that work this fall at Rice University, where she plans to study electrical and computer engineering, building on a foundation shaped by both classroom learning and real-world application.
