Nicole A. White, P.E., PTOe
Founding Principal
As the founding Principal of Symmetra Design, Nicole White leads the firm’s strategic direction and technical vision, bringing 30 years of experience in transportation planning and traffic engineering. Her expertise spans intersection safety and operational studies, transportation management plans, and multimodal transportation analysis. Nicole has consulted on a wide range of projects, including small area plans, corridor studies, master plans, revitalization initiatives, and redevelopment efforts.
Nicole earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Transportation from the University of Maryland. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and the District of Columbia and holds Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification. Nicole is also a certified Charrette Planner and maintains memberships with the Institute of Transportation Engineers and Lambda Alpha International. She is a recipient of a Top 100 MBEs Award.
What do you enjoy about being a traffic engineer and transportation planner?
I love that traffic engineering is both highly technical and deeply relatable. Everyone has experience as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, which creates meaningful opportunities for community members to collaborate in developing solutions that improve their neighborhoods. Transportation plays a critical role in livability—providing safe and reliable access to jobs, education, recreation, and healthcare.
What are your interests outside of transportation?
Sports—especially competitive ones. I played flag football for 20 years and was a pioneer in the National Women’s Football League (semi-professional tackle football). I’m recently retired from softball (though I haven’t officially thrown my cleats away), and I’m an active league and tournament player with the United States Tennis Association. Golf is my newest passion.
What excites you about the future of transportation?
My cousin, who is blind, independently travels throughout Baltimore and the District. Seeing both her independence and the challenges she faces as a pedestrian and paratransit user has shaped my perspective on accessibility. I’m excited about the potential of emerging technologies—particularly autonomous vehicles—to enhance mobility, independence, and equity in transportation systems.