Rail Baltica is a railway infrastructure megaproject that spans across several countries. The depth of skills and expertise required to successfully execute a greenfield project of this caliber is extensive and would not be possible without our diverse team of professionals.
Welcome back to our series, “Rail Baltica: The People Behind the Vision,” where we introduce you to the members of the Rail Baltica global project team. These individuals are the driving force advancing the Rail Baltica project with their professionalism, dedication, and passion for this project.
Hayoon Lee, Mechanical Engineering Student, LTG Infra
This week, we are pleased to introduce Hayoon Lee, a Mechanical Engineering student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), currently interning at LTG Infra as part of the Rail Baltica project. Passionate about hands-on problem-solving and curious about how large-scale infrastructure shapes our world, Hayoon joined the project to contribute to the construction of the Neris Bridge in Vilnius. Her experience reflects the power of international collaboration, as well as the growing interest of young engineers in sustainable and innovative transport solutions for the future.
Have you heard about the Rail Baltica project prior to joining it?
No, I had not heard about Rail Baltica before this internship. It has been interesting to learn about the history of the project, especially because it represents how the Baltic states are moving away from their Soviet history and becoming more involved with the European Union.
What is your role in the project?
I am involved in the Neris Bridge construction project management. Based on everything I have learned about this bridge, it is a very difficult project because of its length, 1.5 kilometers. Also, due to environmental regulations, the bridge cannot have piers in the Neris River. It adds to the challenge.
Why did you choose to study mechanical engineering? What were your interests from an early age?
As a kid, I had a range of interests: I played multiple sports, learned music, and tried robotics in high school. I decided to study mechanical engineering towards the end of high school. I chose this major because I really enjoy hands-on work and being able to see a finished product as the result of my work. I also like how engineering can predict how physical systems work using surprisingly simple equations and models.
Is the Rail Baltica also inspiring?
Definitely! I grew up in a town with very limited public transportation, so the idea of a high-speed rail system is very new and modern to me. Hopefully, the US will also invest in more rail projects in the future.
Have you found any new hobbies or interests during your time in Lithuania?
Being here in Vilnius has given me the opportunity to travel much more than I had before. I have traveled to other places in Lithuania, as well as neighboring countries. I have also had fun trying the traditional Lithuanian food and pastries here.
What would you wish for your future self, who has finished her studies at MIT and already progressed in her career path?
When I think about my future, I hope to have a job that is challenging and fulfilling but also gives me enough free time to relax and explore other interests. I am not sure what I would like to specialize in yet, but I am hoping to figure that out during my college career! I am excited to take more classes and try more clubs and opportunities at MIT to find what I am passionate about within the field of mechanical engineering.