We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Haoyun Wang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Haoyun below.

Haoyun, appreciate you joining us today. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

When I was first starting out, I chose to join a firm rather than start my own. At that point in my career, I knew that working for an established organization would provide me with the mentorship, resources, and exposure needed to build a strong foundation. I joined WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services, which allowed me to work on impactful projects like the clean energy transmission initiative in New York. Being part of a firm gave me access to large-scale projects, seasoned professionals, and a collaborative environment, which were invaluable for my growth.

The decision was influenced by my background. Coming from a small town in China, I was eager to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience. The early years were challenging, filled with steep learning curves as I navigated complex projects and honed my technical skills in data science and geospatial analysis. However, it was also incredibly rewarding because it pushed me to develop resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of how large infrastructure projects come together.

Looking back, I absolutely believe it was the right choice. Those first few years helped me develop not only technical expertise but also the collaborative and problem-solving skills that would have been difficult to acquire starting on my own. Joining a firm provided a strong foundation, which has since allowed me to branch out into volunteer work and research that aligns with my passion for using technology to make a societal impact.

Haoyun, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a data scientist with a deep focus on geospatial analysis, data visualization, and the integration of big data into real-world applications, particularly within transportation and urban planning. My journey into this field started with my fascination for how technology can solve complex problems that affect entire communities. I earned double Master’s degrees in Public Informatics and City & Regional Planning from Rutgers University, which gave me a solid foundation in data science and urban systems. My background in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) became the cornerstone of my career as it allowed me to combine technology with spatial insights to drive impactful change.

Currently, I work with WSP, a global engineering firm, where I focus on solving complex infrastructure and planning challenges. For example, I’ve contributed to New York’s clean energy transmission project by digitizing historical utility data, ensuring it’s accessible and integrated into the planning process. This project plays a vital role in the state’s transition to renewable energy by providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making.

Beyond my professional work, I’m heavily involved in research and volunteer projects. One of my proudest achievements is my work with MediConnect, an app that bridges healthcare gaps in rural China by optimizing the delivery of medicines to vulnerable groups. The app has achieved a 93% user satisfaction rate, reduced case completion time from 180 minutes to 6 minutes, and has been recognized for its life-saving impact. MediConnect recently won the 2024 London Product Awards, which is a testament to the app’s real-world effectiveness and my passion for using technology to solve social problems.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my ability to blend technical expertise with a strong commitment to social impact. I don’t just focus on the data; I focus on how the data can be used to drive meaningful change in areas like sustainable transportation, urban planning, and healthcare delivery. Whether I’m working on infrastructure planning or designing digital products, my goal is to make a lasting positive impact on the communities I serve.

For potential clients, followers, or collaborators, I want them to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for creating innovative, data-driven solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. I pride myself on being adaptable, collaborative, and forward-thinking, always looking for ways to leverage data and technology for the greater good. If you’re interested in projects that merge cutting-edge technology with meaningful social impact, that’s where I thrive.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and keeping morale high comes down to a few key things. First, communication is everything—make sure everyone feels heard and knows they can share ideas or concerns. It builds trust. Second, set clear goals so people know what they’re working toward and how they contribute to the bigger picture. Empower your team—trust them to make decisions and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Recognize their efforts regularly, even small wins—people love feeling appreciated. And always provide opportunities for growth. Let your team know you care about their long-term success. Lastly, lead by example and create a supportive, collaborative environment. When the team feels valued and supported, morale naturally stays high.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Absolutely! One story that stands out is from the early stages of my work on the MediConnect app, a project aimed at bridging healthcare gaps in rural China. The goal was to optimize medicine deliveries to vulnerable groups, but we faced significant challenges—mainly limited resources, time constraints, and the technical difficulty of building a reliable system under those conditions.

At one point, we were struggling with optimizing delivery routes. The system was taking too long to match patients with donors, which could mean the difference between life and death in some cases. The pressure was immense. We spent weeks trying different approaches, and nothing seemed to work. I remember one particular night staying up until dawn, running tests and digging through data, trying to find a solution.

Eventually, I realized we needed to rethink our approach entirely. Instead of using a complex algorithm that wasn’t delivering results, we went back to basics—focusing on GIS technology for location-based matching and simplifying the process. Within a few days, we saw a dramatic improvement, reducing delivery times from 180 minutes to just 6.

That experience taught me the power of resilience. No matter how challenging a problem seems, persistence and a willingness to adapt can make all the difference. Looking back, that moment reinforced my belief that even in the toughest situations, there’s always a path forward if you keep pushing.

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