Meet Haoyun Wang | GIS Consultant / Data Scientist / Transportation Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haoyun Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haoyun, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is the power of adaptability and continuous learning. In an ever-evolving field like data science, especially in areas such as GIS, big data, and transportation modeling, technologies and methodologies are constantly changing. Staying relevant requires not only mastering new tools but also embracing the mindset of lifelong learning.

Adaptability has allowed me to navigate complex projects, from digitizing historical utilities to contributing to cutting-edge research and volunteer work. It has taught me that success isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about being open to new ideas, pivoting when necessary, and always striving to grow personally and professionally. This lesson has been invaluable in helping me overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make a meaningful impact in both my work and the communities I serve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey of determination, growth, and continuous learning. Coming from a small town in China, it wasn’t easy to reach where I am today, but that experience shaped my resilience and work ethic. I’ve always had a passion for technology and its potential to solve real-world problems, which led me to pursue degrees in GIS and Public Informatics. Along the way, I learned that success in data science isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about adaptability, perseverance, and collaboration.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical expertise in geospatial analysis, big data, and transportation modeling with a human-centered approach. I strive to work on projects that positively impact society, like the clean energy transmission project in New York and the MediConnect app, which bridges critical healthcare gaps in rural China. I’m proud of these achievements because they reflect my goal of using technology to reshape the world for the better.

The path wasn’t always easy. There were challenges like learning new technologies, navigating complex projects, and adapting to changing industries. But I overcame these obstacles through persistence, seeking mentorship, and staying open to new learning opportunities.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration. My work with amazing teams—whether it’s Xiaoheng Li on MediConnect or my colleagues at WSP—has shown me that great things are accomplished when talented individuals come together with a shared vision.

What I want the world to know about my story is that, despite my background or where I started, I am driven by a passion to use data and technology to make a real, tangible difference. I believe in leveraging my skills for projects that enhance society, and I’m excited about the future possibilities in digital product design, sustainable transportation, and more. My ultimate goal is to continue exploring how technology can create solutions that make the world more equitable and sustainable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d create an itinerary that showcases the city’s mix of vibrant urban planning and transportation options. We’d start at Union Station, then explore Downtown LA via Metro Rail, checking out Grand Park, The Broad Museum, and Grand Central Market. A ride on the Expo Line would take us to Santa Monica for biking along the Oceanfront Path and a sunset at the pier. We’d visit the Arts District for its murals and industrial revitalization, then head to Pasadena via the Gold Line to explore Old Town and the Gamble House. Scenic drives through Mulholland Drive would lead us to Griffith Park for hiking and views from Griffith Observatory. We’d also explore the LA River Revitalization Project, walking the Glendale Narrows section to see how urban planning is reshaping the city. The trip would wrap up with a food tour of Koreatown, using Metro Rapid to navigate the area, enjoying authentic Korean BBQ, and ending the night with karaoke. LA’s combination of public transit and urban design offers endless opportunities to experience the city’s diverse culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Xiaoheng Li, the Lead Product Designer in MediConnect. Xiaoheng’s expertise and vision have been instrumental in shaping the success of our project. Their creativity and attention to detail have not only enhanced the functionality of the app but also ensured that it meets the needs of the users we aim to serve. Xiaoheng’s dedication and collaboration have been key to our success, and I am grateful for their contributions to our shared mission.

Website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=zh-CN&user=aX6hxTUAAAAJ

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haoyunwang/