A Summer of Service, Learning and Transportation

When people think about transportation, they often picture roads, bridges, trains and airports. This summer, I learned that transportation is much more than infrastructure. There’s a whole world behind the scenes with the people who plan, build, maintain and communicate with the communities they serve. 

From visiting transportation sites across the state to supporting communication efforts in the Secretary’s Office, my internship gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration, innovation and public service system that cultivates and drives Maryland’s transportation system. 

As a rising senior at Howard University, majoring in criminology and political science with a minor in communications, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of serving as a Maryland Public Service Scholar (MPSS) fellow and MDOT summer intern in the Office of Public Affairs within the Secretary’s office. 

Selected from approximately 500 applicants, I joined roughly 40 other MPSS fellows with host sites across a range of organizations, state agencies and nonprofits. I was fortunate to join 11 others in being chosen as a fellow for the MPSS MDOT Summer 2026 session. We were placed across the agencies and offices at the Secretary’s Office, Maryland Transportation Authority, State Highway Administration and Motor Vehicle Administration. 

Although we were placed in different modes and offices, we shared two common goals: gaining all the knowledge we could and supporting MDOT’s mission to provide safe, accessible, reliable and equitable transportation. 

As an intern in the Secretary’s Office, I supported a variety of communications and projects. I researched and wrote blog articles that highlighted transportation projects, initiatives and historical landmarks, I was able to observe and participate in meetings including with Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. I was also given the opportunity to draft Secretary Thomson’s remarks for MPSS’ closing ceremony. 

Beyond the office, I had the opportunity to cover agency events alongside Public Affairs staff. From the public launch of Governor Moore’s “Slow the Fast Down” campaign promoting roadway safety to the unveiling of the Belvoir historical marker for the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, I witnessed first-hand how MDOT engages with communities and organizations to connect with residents, celebrate Maryland’s history and promote public safety. 

The most memorable parts were visiting transportation sites across the state. I saw tangible examples of Maryland’s transportation network beyond what I believed it to be prior to this summer. 

During a boat tour of the Francis Key Scott Bridge site, I learned about the planning and reconstruction efforts that will shape this significant project. Seeing the scale of the project offered a unique perspective. Visiting the Port of Baltimore allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the role of maritime transportation and how it supports the economy and global commerce. 

At Poplar Island, which I had not known of, I saw how dredge material is being used to restore a valuable habitat. Maryland is supporting and creating a thriving ecosystem by prioritizing innovation and sustainability. The island is a testament to how environmental stewardship and transportation can fit together. 

Each experience reinforced how transportation can positively affect lives. It is more than roads, airports and transit. It is about connecting people to one another, jobs, education and life opportunities. 

This internship gave me the opportunity to work with professionals whose passion for public service was evident. Their willingness to mentor, answer questions, give meaningful work and share their expertise challenged me to embrace new opportunities. 

Alongside my internship, I was partnered with two other MDOT fellows and we developed a K-12 yellow school bus system policy proposal for the students of Baltimore City. Following the presentation and speeches, all the interns received citations from Governor Wes Moore. 

As my summer with MDOT comes to a close, I leave with a greater appreciation for the collaboration required to keep Maryland moving forward. Whether through communications, engineering or environmental restoration, every employee contributes to the mission. 

While my internship may be over, the lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made will continue to guide me throughout my academic journey and future career. 

Thank you MDOT, for a memorable summer. 

Jena Queen was an intern with the Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs.