Charner Rodgers is an energetic single mom of two whose spare time is devoted to various sports activities with her two daughters. What sets her apart from other moms in Atlanta is she will soon finish a PhD dissertation on environmental justice in the transportation system.

For seven years, Rodgers was co-owner with her father of Rodgers & Rodgers General Contractors in Nashville, Tennessee. “When the market shifted downward, my daughters and I decided as a unit to go back to school,” she said. Rodgers entered the College of Architecture’s School of Building Construction in 2008. Recently she was awarded the IMPACT Scholarship for single parents, which recognizes the incredible dedication it takes to raise children while maintaining academic excellence at Georgia Tech.

As a graduate teaching assistant, Rodgers teaches undergraduate courses on Construction Cost Estimates and Project Management. “It is a real joy to apply my experiences to teach the craft involved in the construction business,” she said.

When asked about the challenge of being a full time mom of two and being a full time doctoral student, Rodgers said she just avoids discouragement at all costs. “My single parent instinct kicks in and I say, ‘Just do it.’” Daughters Taylor and Parke are in the 5th and 6th grades, respectively.

“There is a good support system at Tech,” said Rodgers. “The teachers are supportive and there is a good, diverse group of students.” Rodgers’ academic advisor is Linda Thomas-Mobley, who also serves as Associate Director in the School of Building Construction.

Rodgers’ work is evaluating the much-discussed HOT-Lane project--a Department of Transportation initiative involving the conversion of 16 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. She expects to complete her PhD in December 2010 and pursue a career in academia.