Neela is a native Californian who grew up in the Bay Area. After completing graduate school, she was happy to return to the Sacramento/Davis area to participate in the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellowship. After the fellowship, Neela went to DC to pursue career opportunities in infrastructure. Her experience working in a legislative setting has proved helpful in understanding the regulations and politics that affect local infrastructure agencies.
Neela received a PhD and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University, and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Davis. Neela is currently the Start-Up Manager for the Potomac Yard Station at WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Agency).