Infinite Careers is a collaboration between Career Services (CAPD) and the MIT Alumni Association to explore career paths and the non-linearity of career decision making. Read profiles of alumni with unique career paths, hear their stories and network at a series of talks.
Education
- Oakland University – Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology
- Michigan Technological University – Master of Science, Industrial Archaeology
- MIT – Doctor Of Philosophy, STS – Science, Technology, and Society
Bio
Renée Blackburn is a Transportation Specialist in the Federal Government. Her work focuses on roadway safety and innovative research. Projects she’s worked on include the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program, and, currently, ARPA-I.
She holds a BA from Oakland University in Rochester, MI, an MS from Michigan Technological University, and a PhD from MIT.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
My biggest motivation is to create a safer, more equitable, more accessible world for all people. I do that through my work in transportation, but transportation intersects with almost every aspect of our lives: from housing; access to food, medical services, school, work, and community; and so many other things. All people need safe, reliable, and connected transportation systems, whether that be for walking, biking, driving, taking transit, etc. I continue to do this work because we can see throughout history the effects that policy decisions have had on certain communities and it is important to continue working to correct the harms that were done.
Making decisions, especially important-feeling career decisions, is really challenging for people at all stages of their career. What strategies have you used to make career decisions?
It’s good to think of your short term goals, but you’re going to spend a lot of time working so whatever you choose you should personally feel at peace with the work that you are doing. If you find the work you are doing morally objectionable, no amount of money will make you happy. The best path to a happy and fulfilled life, is to fill it with activities, people, etc that fill you up in a positive way. This is how I approach all decisions. We do live in a capitalist society, but again, having (and hoarding) the most money will not make you happy and will not solve the world’s problems. So, in reality, it’s a deeply personal discussion that you have to have with yourself – what matters most to you in life? what fulfills you? and move in that direction. And also recognize that as you continue to grow and age, the answer to that question can and will change.
How have your career experiences been shaped by intersections of your identity, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, and veteran status?
I was a first generation college student and, from a young age, I wanted to go to college. I would talk about it but I never felt that I was taken seriously, I think for two reasons: 1. I was a child and, even though I was smart, I was often dismissed by adults; and 2. I was a girl. I planned for college after high school, but it became evident that I didn’t have the resources or the family support to make it happen. So I waited – I went to college in my early 20s after working various jobs for a couple years. By this point a lot had occurred in my young adult life family-wise, but I made this choice and changed my life path completely, which eventually led me to MIT. These experiences (and others) have continued to influence my career and how I interact with others.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
I’ve had some really insightful mentors, both informal and formal, and I’ve appreciated their words of wisdom, their experiences, and their suggestions. During a career transition in late 2021, I mentioned to my mentor that I thought I should focus more on some of my weaknesses. We’d recently been discussing strengths and weaknesses so this was fresh on my mind. She said to me, why put too much energy into your weaknesses, into areas that you just do not enjoy working on, when you can put that into your strengths and make them stronger? I will always remember this. I now don’t think about the “negative” and how to improve, but think about where I am strongest and how I can hone those skills more. It makes me feel more accomplished and makes my professional life more enjoyable.
What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?
It’s a tough time to be in public service, but it’s still worth it. The folks I work with are some of the smartest, most resilient, and most dedicated people I’ve ever met. We come to work each day to solve a problem that’s facing our country that we care deeply about and work through a variety of challenges in order to solve it. It is a very rewarding career path.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?
There is a lot going on in the world – I’ve been purposely reducing my screen time lately (and not using my phone before bed), which means I have more time for hobbies. Having a good work/life balance is so important, and creating that habit when you’re young is key. At the moment, I spend my time outside of work with my animals (2 cats, 1 dog), reading, putting together LEGO sets, playing D&D on Wednesdays, and pursuing other creative outlets that make me happy (music, crafting, home renovation).
Last edited: October 2025
Note: Renee’s comments are her personal opinions and do not represent the views of the U.S. federal government or the U.S. Department of Transportation.
