Erin Cooper

Erin Cooper is a Research Associate focusing on transportation, emissions, and project impact evaluation in the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. She leads research to compare costs and benefits of alternative fuels in transit vehicles and estimate emissions associated with transport projects and global transport trends. Erin is also responsible for our ongoing program impact reporting for transport and urban development projects.

Prior to this, Erin worked as a researcher at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo on transportation and land use studies. This included a user preference study for the provision of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, understanding the mobility needs of seniors, developing a framework to promote efficient bus stop spacing and route design, as well as participating in and supporting student work on Community Plan updates for two local cities.

At Cal Poly, Erin received a dual master's degree in city and regional planning and engineering, with a specialization in transportation planning. She was able to work with cities, transit agencies and nonprofits on planning and sustainability projects. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in human geography from the University of Surrey, UK.