Michael SchlictingGraduate Student

Michael Schlicting wants to build better intercity transportation systems. His research revolves around integrating different modes of intercity transportation in order to create faster, more reliable, environmentally friendly intercity US transportation networks that will improve the economic capacity of communities, cities, and regions. Michael’s research is based on transportation models currently under development throughout Europe and Asia where high speed rail, airline, and auto transportation are seamlessly integrated into one cohesive system. His research spans both the public and private sectors, with a heavy emphasis on innovation, real estate, public policy, and community development. Michael also leads the Badger Rail Society, an inter-disciplinary student chapter of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Right of Way Association(AREMA) and Badger Loop’s Feasibility Team Lead. Both of these groups are looking at ways to make intercity transportation faster and more efficient by using both Hyperloop and High Speed Rail Technology.

Education and Relevant Experience

Michael holds a BA (1997) from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Aviation Management and an MBA (2014) from the Wisconsin School of Business, where he analyzed the benefits of replacing short regional flights of under 400 miles with a passenger rail network. This research has received praise from the US airline industry. Michael also has extensive transportation experience including working for FedEx Ground, Swissport, and over 10 years’ experience at United Airlines headquarters working in finance, sales, training, inventory planning, and new IT systems integration. Additionally Michael was involved in the launch of new airline services throughout the world; including operations in Hong Kong, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Hawaii, Alaska, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Frankfurt, and London.

Awards and Recognition

Michael’s work has already been cited in Railway Track & Structure Magazine and Wisconsin Engineer Magazine. Michael has also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 AREMA Poster Contest for his research on Hyperloop technology that can be transferred to the rail industry.