Kalina Soltys

Kalina Soltys completed her Master of Arts degree in Human Geography in 2009 under the supervision of Dr. Ron Buliung. Her thesis entitled Toward an Understanding of Carpool Formation and Use, explored the use of an online ridematching tool in carpool formation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. She has recently received the Student Paper Award from the Transportation Specialty Group within the Association of American Geographers. She is the co-author of two articles: The “Driving” Factors Behind Successful Carpool Formation and Use; and Catching a ride on the information super-highway: toward an understanding of internet-based carpool formation and use in Transportation Research Record and Transportation respectively.

Upon completing her graduate studies, Kalina joined Smart Commute, an organization that promotes sustainable travel for the journey to work. As program manager for Northeast Toronto, Kalina carried out sustainable transportation programs with area hospitals, international companies and academic institutions. After engaging with organizations in the City of Toronto, she decided to broaden her scope to include research in an international context. Kalina is currently employed in England as Senior Project Officer in the Research and Monitoring Unit at leading UK charity Sustrans. Her present responsibilities revolve around monitoring and evaluating sustainable transportation programs across the devolved nations.

In her leisure time, Kalina enjoys an active lifestyle outdoors by engaging in cycling, hiking and skiing. She also has a keen interest in travel and is making the most of her life abroad by exploring the continent every chance that she has.