What is the California Initiative for Better Infrastructure?
Originally a simple idea to create an engineering club at San Diego High School, classmates James Williams, Caius Courtney and Hayden Slagel realized a club would not suffice their large visions for the future. The California Initiative for Better Infrastructure (CIBI) is a student-led organization specializing in creating a more efficient California through smart infrastructure investments. CIBI and our many researchers and authors work to create proposals and research papers in hopes of improving our home through both awareness and design. Our hands-on heavy author team is currently working on creating a proposal to be sent to SANDAG, while our research team works on optimizing engineering principles and concepts. We use our research to take action in our state, by creating real proposals and designs in hopes to make a better future for California.
Meet Our Team
President
James Williams
James is a California-based student researcher and aspiring civil engineer focused on transportation infrastructure and urban systems. He is the founder of the California Initiative for Better Infrastructure, where he leads student-driven research projects exploring transit development, regional planning, and infrastructure improvement across California. Through leadership in engineering organizations, internships, and published research, James hopes to combine technical engineering with civic planning to help build more efficient, sustainable, and connected communities. James founded CIBI along with his peers with a vision of greater California.
Vice President
Hayden Slagel
Hayden Slagel is a driven junior with a strong academic record and a passion for aerospace engineering, he has pursued hands-on technical projects while gaining real-world professional experience in a competitive industry. He holds leadership positions in multiple organizations both on and off campus, and has been recognized for academic excellence across several disciplines. A multi-sport athlete and dedicated volunteer in his community, he brings the same commitment to everything he does, including CIBI. Hayden not only provides resources to his peers, but encourages a driven environment to those around him.
Researcher
Ronan Pablo Mendoza
Ronan keeps a low profile and stays focused while everyone else chases attention. People know him for thinking ahead, staying calm under pressure, and handling problems with precision. His engineering skills help him break down complex situations and find solutions quickly, while his assassin mindset in games and strategy means he moves carefully, thinks tactically, and never makes reckless decisions. Ronan trusts his instincts, works independently, and lets his results speak louder than words.
Secretary
Caius Courtney
Caius is a California-based student researcher with a strong interest in engineering and mathematics. Through leadership in the California Initiative for Better Infrastructure, he works to explore innovative and calculated approaches to lead students to success. Passionate about combining technical problem-solving with public impact, he has pursued research, engineering-focused coursework, and collaborative projects that reflect his commitment to sustainable and efficient communities. Through CIBI, he hopes to contribute meaningful ideas that help shape the future of transportation and infrastructure in California.
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