Summer 2010 A Publicati on of USDOT Region V Regional University Transportati on Center Volume 3, Issue 2

2010 UNDERGRADUATE INTERNS DELIVER FINAL PRESENTATIONS

The NEXTRANS Center is a The NEXTRANS Center is a Regional University Trans-Regional University Trans-portation Center funded portation Center funded by the U.S. Department of by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Admin-Innovative Technology Admin-istration (RITA) to implement istration (RITA) to implement a multidisciplinary program a multidisciplinary program of transportation research, of transportation research, education, and technology education, and technology transfer. The Center’s theme transfer. The Center’s theme is to develop integrated is to develop integrated and innovative solutions to and innovative solutions to transportation challenges transportation challenges by explicitly studying the by explicitly studying the interactions between vehicle, interactions between vehicle, traveler, and infrastructure. traveler, and infrastructure.

(Conti nued on Page 3)(Conti nued on Page 3)

The NEXTRANS Center’s 2010 Undergraduate The NEXTRANS Center’s 2010 Undergraduate Summer Interns delivered their fi nal presenta-Summer Interns delivered their fi nal presenta-ti ons on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Purdue Univer-ti ons on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Purdue Univer-sity’s Discovery Park. This event was an oppor-sity’s Discovery Park. This event was an oppor-tunity for interns to showcase their research tunity for interns to showcase their research accomplishments to faculty, staff , graduate accomplishments to faculty, staff , graduate mentors, and other undergraduate students mentors, and other undergraduate students from the Center’s major partner universiti es.from the Center’s major partner universiti es. The Undergraduate Internship in Transpor-The Undergraduate Internship in Transpor-tati on provides six competi ti vely-selected tati on provides six competi ti vely-selected undergraduate students with the opportunity undergraduate students with the opportunity to complete a ten-week program of transporta-to complete a ten-week program of transporta-ti on research and acti viti es at Purdue Univer-ti on research and acti viti es at Purdue Univer-sity, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-sity, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-paign, and The Ohio State University. paign, and The Ohio State University.

This year’s program att racted students from This year’s program att racted students from Pennsylvania State University, the Missouri Pennsylvania State University, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Vil-University of Science and Technology, and Vil-lanova University, as well as the Center’s major lanova University, as well as the Center’s major partner insti tuti ons. Interns parti cipated in partner insti tuti ons. Interns parti cipated in hands-on research involving a broad range of hands-on research involving a broad range of transportati on modes and topics. They were transportati on modes and topics. They were challenged to learn basic modeling techniques, challenged to learn basic modeling techniques, develop surveys, parti cipate in the collecti on develop surveys, parti cipate in the collecti on of fi eld data, and uti lize a variety of innova-of fi eld data, and uti lize a variety of innova-ti ve technologies. Collecti vely, their research ti ve technologies. Collecti vely, their research aimed to:aimed to:

• Evaluate the likelihood of commuters to Evaluate the likelihood of commuters to switch routes based on real-ti me traffi c switch routes based on real-ti me traffi c informati on.informati on.

INSIDE THIS ISSUEINSIDE THIS ISSUE

DIRECTOR’S NOTE 2 DIRECTOR’S NOTE 2

NEWS 3NEWS 3

RESEARCH 5RESEARCH 5

EDUCATION 6EDUCATION 6

TECH TRANSFER 8TECH TRANSFER 8

PEOPLE 10PEOPLE 10

Writt en and Designed by Jessica Mehr

Undergraduate interns (seated), faculty, staff , and graduate students pose at Discovery Park on July 23, 2010. extrans

2

It has been an exciti ng summer at the NEXTRANS Center. It has been an exciti ng summer at the NEXTRANS Center.

We are currently in the fi nal stages of selecti ng our third-year research projects, uti lizing We are currently in the fi nal stages of selecti ng our third-year research projects, uti lizing peer evaluati ons and a holisti c approach that ensures the various dimensions of the Center peer evaluati ons and a holisti c approach that ensures the various dimensions of the Center theme and USDOT prioriti es are being addressed. These newly-funded projects will be an-theme and USDOT prioriti es are being addressed. These newly-funded projects will be an-nounced on the Center’s web site in the coming weeks. nounced on the Center’s web site in the coming weeks.

As part of our conti nuing educati onal eff orts, we recently concluded a second successful As part of our conti nuing educati onal eff orts, we recently concluded a second successful year of the NEXTRANS Undergraduate Internship Program in Transportati on (cover and p. 3). year of the NEXTRANS Undergraduate Internship Program in Transportati on (cover and p. 3). Interns showcased their accomplishments by delivering formal presentati ons on July 23, Interns showcased their accomplishments by delivering formal presentati ons on July 23, 2010 at Purdue University’s Discovery Park. There, they also received encouragement and 2010 at Purdue University’s Discovery Park. There, they also received encouragement and guidance in considering graduate-level educati on and transportati on-related careers. I guidance in considering graduate-level educati on and transportati on-related careers. I am happy to report that three of our six 2009 interns, Erin Kersh, Eunseok Choi, and Divya am happy to report that three of our six 2009 interns, Erin Kersh, Eunseok Choi, and Divya Kumar, went on to pursue graduate degrees in transportati on engineering. Kumar, went on to pursue graduate degrees in transportati on engineering.

In technology transfer news, the Center sponsored three seminars; hosted two interna-In technology transfer news, the Center sponsored three seminars; hosted two interna-ti onal visiti ng scholars; and collaborated with academic, public, and private sector stake-ti onal visiti ng scholars; and collaborated with academic, public, and private sector stake-holders at a number of conferences and meeti ngs (pages 8-9). holders at a number of conferences and meeti ngs (pages 8-9).

Finally, we have welcomed a number of new individuals to the NEXTRANS Center team. I Finally, we have welcomed a number of new individuals to the NEXTRANS Center team. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Erol Tutumluer has joined the Executi ve Committ ee (page am pleased to announce that Dr. Erol Tutumluer has joined the Executi ve Committ ee (page 4). Rick Evans is entering his fourth successful month as our Center’s Managing Director 4). Rick Evans is entering his fourth successful month as our Center’s Managing Director (page 10), and we recently hired a new Communicati ons Coordinator, Andrea McIntyre (page 10), and we recently hired a new Communicati ons Coordinator, Andrea McIntyre (page 10). I would like to take this opportunity to thank departi ng EC member Dr. Imad (page 10). I would like to take this opportunity to thank departi ng EC member Dr. Imad Al-Qadi and Communicati ons Coordinator Jessica Mehr for their contributi ons during our Al-Qadi and Communicati ons Coordinator Jessica Mehr for their contributi ons during our Center’s formati ve years. Center’s formati ve years.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the NEXTRANSporter. Please visit www.purdue.edu/dp/nex-I hope you enjoy this issue of the NEXTRANSporter. Please visit www.purdue.edu/dp/nex-

trans to learn more about our Center’s acti viti es. trans to learn more about our Center’s acti viti es.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Srinivas Peeta, Ph.D.Srinivas Peeta, Ph.D.NEXTRANS Center DirectorNEXTRANS Center Director

IMAD AL-QADI ELECTED DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF ASCE

The Board of Directors for the American The Board of Directors for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has elected Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has elected Imad Al-Qadi as a Disti nguished Member Imad Al-Qadi as a Disti nguished Member for his exemplary leadership and innovati on for his exemplary leadership and innovati on in the civil engineering profession. This ex-in the civil engineering profession. This ex-traordinary honor is reserved for only one traordinary honor is reserved for only one out of over 7,500 ASCE members. out of over 7,500 ASCE members.

The ASCE defi nes a disti nguished member The ASCE defi nes a disti nguished member as one who has made legendary contribu-as one who has made legendary contribu-ti ons to the area of civil engineering. In ti ons to the area of civil engineering. In additi on to his leadership in professional additi on to his leadership in professional service and technology transfer, Dr. Al-service and technology transfer, Dr. Al-Qadi was recognized for his extraordinary Qadi was recognized for his extraordinary research and technical contributi ons in research and technical contributi ons in

pavement engineering, modeling, rehabili-pavement engineering, modeling, rehabili-tati on technologies, pavement interlayer tati on technologies, pavement interlayer systems, asphalti c mixtures, transportati on systems, asphalti c mixtures, transportati on infrastructure sensing, and ground pen-infrastructure sensing, and ground pen-etrati ng radar. etrati ng radar.

Dr. Al-Qadi is currently the Founder Pro-Dr. Al-Qadi is currently the Founder Pro-fessor of Engineering at the University fessor of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the founding Director of the Illinois Center for founding Director of the Illinois Center for Transportati on (ICT). He has served as an Transportati on (ICT). He has served as an investi gator on a number of NEXTRANS-investi gator on a number of NEXTRANS-sponsored research projects, and was a sponsored research projects, and was a member of the Executi ve Committ ee from member of the Executi ve Committ ee from its incepti on to June 2010. its incepti on to June 2010.

Imad Al-Qadi, Ph.D.Imad Al-Qadi, Ph.D.Founder Professor of EngineeringFounder Professor of Engineering

Director, Illinois Center for Transportati onDirector, Illinois Center for Transportati on

33

NEWS

INTERNS DELIVER FINAL PRESENTATIONS (Conti nued From Page 1)

• Determine the comfort level of bicyclists when sharing the Determine the comfort level of bicyclists when sharing the roadway with passenger vehicles.roadway with passenger vehicles.

• Increase the effi ciency of railroad track inspecti on using Increase the effi ciency of railroad track inspecti on using advanced machine vision technology.advanced machine vision technology.

• Conduct research on public-private partnerships (PPPs).Conduct research on public-private partnerships (PPPs).

• Investi gate a potenti al relati onship between increasing gas Investi gate a potenti al relati onship between increasing gas prices and transit ridership.prices and transit ridership.

• Analyze bus headways using advanced vehicle locati on (AVL) Analyze bus headways using advanced vehicle locati on (AVL) data. data.

To learn more about the Center’s 2010 undergraduate interns, To learn more about the Center’s 2010 undergraduate interns, see pages 6-7. To view their fi nal presentati ons, please visit see pages 6-7. To view their fi nal presentati ons, please visit www.purdue.edu/dp/nextrans/ www.purdue.edu/dp/nextrans/

CENTER HOSTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR

The NEXTRANS Center recently hosted an internati onal visiti ng The NEXTRANS Center recently hosted an internati onal visiti ng scholar as part of its conti nuing mission to develop insti tuti onal scholar as part of its conti nuing mission to develop insti tuti onal linkages at the global level.linkages at the global level.

From January - May 2010, Priyanka Khan from the Indian Insti -From January - May 2010, Priyanka Khan from the Indian Insti -tute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur conducted research-in-resi-tute of Technology (IIT) in Kanpur conducted research-in-resi-dence at Purdue University. Priyanka, who is currently pursuing dence at Purdue University. Priyanka, who is currently pursuing a Masters Degree at IIT, is working on a joint-research project a Masters Degree at IIT, is working on a joint-research project under the guidance of Dr. Partha Chakroborty (IIT) and Dr. Srini-under the guidance of Dr. Partha Chakroborty (IIT) and Dr. Srini-vas Peeta (NEXTRANS Director). vas Peeta (NEXTRANS Director).

The project, ti tled, "Addressing Uncertainti es in Travel Time The project, ti tled, "Addressing Uncertainti es in Travel Time Esti mates Using Arti fi cial Intelligence Techniques for Intelligent Esti mates Using Arti fi cial Intelligence Techniques for Intelligent Transportati on Applicati ons," marks the beginning of an interna-Transportati on Applicati ons," marks the beginning of an interna-ti onal collaborati on between NEXTRANS and IIT. This research ti onal collaborati on between NEXTRANS and IIT. This research aims to determine if standard traffi c models can be used to study aims to determine if standard traffi c models can be used to study traffi c in India, where a variety of non-motorized vehicles share traffi c in India, where a variety of non-motorized vehicles share the road and there is a lack of lane discipline. the road and there is a lack of lane discipline.

Through the process of collaborati on, I have benefi ted a great deal from technical discussions with the Center’s faculty and students.

Top Left : Justi n Vayda delivers his presentati on. Top Right: Dr. Peeta presents James Pokorny with an internship certi fi cate.Bott om: John Hart, Skyler Marti n, and Michael Lodes enjoy lunch.

4

NEWS

DIRECTOR PEETA WINS UNISA RESEARCH AWARD

NEXTRANS Director Dr. Srinivas Peeta received a 2010 UniSA Disti nguished Researcher NEXTRANS Director Dr. Srinivas Peeta received a 2010 UniSA Disti nguished Researcher Award from the University of South Australia in Adelaide (UniSA), awarded by the Award from the University of South Australia in Adelaide (UniSA), awarded by the Australian Competi ti ve Grants and Fellowships Development Committ ee. This award Australian Competi ti ve Grants and Fellowships Development Committ ee. This award seeks to att ract disti nguished internati onal researchers with outstanding research seeks to att ract disti nguished internati onal researchers with outstanding research track records in their respecti ve fi elds to visit UniSA to strengthen research collabora-track records in their respecti ve fi elds to visit UniSA to strengthen research collabora-ti ons and outcomes. Dr. Peeta visited UniSA for three weeks in April 2010, where, ti ons and outcomes. Dr. Peeta visited UniSA for three weeks in April 2010, where, among other acti viti es, he delivered a public lecture on infrastructure network surviv-among other acti viti es, he delivered a public lecture on infrastructure network surviv-ability in disasters. ability in disasters.

Dr. Peeta also took this opportunity to visit Monash University in Melbourne as a rep-Dr. Peeta also took this opportunity to visit Monash University in Melbourne as a rep-resentati ve of both NEXTRANS and Purdue University. There he met with their Deputy resentati ve of both NEXTRANS and Purdue University. There he met with their Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Edwina Cornish and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Simon Adams to Vice-Chancellor Dr. Edwina Cornish and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Simon Adams to discuss opportuniti es for collaborati on at the insti tuti onal level. Using the NEXTRANS discuss opportuniti es for collaborati on at the insti tuti onal level. Using the NEXTRANS Center and Monash’s Insti tute for Transport Studies as points of contact, Purdue and Center and Monash’s Insti tute for Transport Studies as points of contact, Purdue and Monash would like to collaborate on research in the domains of intelligent transporta-Monash would like to collaborate on research in the domains of intelligent transporta-ti on systems and sustainability. ti on systems and sustainability.

NEXTRANS is pleased to announce that Erol NEXTRANS is pleased to announce that Erol Tutumluer has joined the Center’s Execu-Tutumluer has joined the Center’s Execu-ti ve Committ ee. ti ve Committ ee.

Dr. Tutumluer is currently a Professor Dr. Tutumluer is currently a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the Paul F. Kent Endowed Fac-(CEE) and the Paul F. Kent Endowed Fac-ulty Scholar at the University of Illinois at ulty Scholar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He holds a B.S. Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He holds a B.S. (Bogazici University 1989), 2 M.S. degrees (Bogazici University 1989), 2 M.S. degrees (Duke University 1991 and Georgia Tech (Duke University 1991 and Georgia Tech 1993), and a Ph.D. (Georgia Tech 1995), all 1993), and a Ph.D. (Georgia Tech 1995), all in Civil Engineering.in Civil Engineering. Dr. Tutumluer’s area of experti se is in test-Dr. Tutumluer’s area of experti se is in test-ing and modeling of pavement and railroad ing and modeling of pavement and railroad track geo-materials, areas in which he has track geo-materials, areas in which he has authored and co-authored over 160 techni-authored and co-authored over 160 techni-cal papers. Related to the NEXTRANS Cen-cal papers. Related to the NEXTRANS Cen-ter, Dr. Tutumluer has been working on the ter, Dr. Tutumluer has been working on the development of arti fi cial neural network development of arti fi cial neural network (ANN) and geneti c algorithm (GA) based (ANN) and geneti c algorithm (GA) based pavement structural analysis tools. The pavement structural analysis tools. The developed soft ware, called SOFTSYS (Soft developed soft ware, called SOFTSYS (Soft Computi ng Based Pavement & Geomate-Computi ng Based Pavement & Geomate-

rial System Analyzer), was delivered to the rial System Analyzer), was delivered to the Illinois Department of Transportati on for Illinois Department of Transportati on for evaluati on in July 2008. evaluati on in July 2008.

Dr. Tutumluer has received numerous Dr. Tutumluer has received numerous awards for his teaching and research, awards for his teaching and research, including the Transportati on Research including the Transportati on Research Board’s (TRB) Fred Burgraff Award for Excel-Board’s (TRB) Fred Burgraff Award for Excel-lence in Transportati on Research (2000), lence in Transportati on Research (2000), and TRB’s Geology and Properti es of Earth and TRB’s Geology and Properti es of Earth Materials Secti on Best Paper Award (2009). Materials Secti on Best Paper Award (2009).

Dr. Tutumluer serves on a number of com-Dr. Tutumluer serves on a number of com-mitt ees for TRB and the American Society mitt ees for TRB and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and currently of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and currently chairs the ASCE Geo-Insti tute’s Pavements chairs the ASCE Geo-Insti tute’s Pavements Committ ee. He is an Editorial Board Mem-Committ ee. He is an Editorial Board Mem-ber of the ber of the Internati onal Journal of Pave-Internati onal Journal of Pave-ment Engineeringment Engineering and ASCE and ASCE Internati onal Internati onal Journal of GeomechanicsJournal of Geomechanics, and an Associate , and an Associate Editor of both the Editor of both the Internati onal Journal of Internati onal Journal of Pavement Research and TechnologyPavement Research and Technology and and the ASCE the ASCE Journal of Computi ng in Civil Engi-Journal of Computi ng in Civil Engi-neeringneering. Welcome, Dr. Tutumluer!. Welcome, Dr. Tutumluer!

EROL TUTUMLUER JOINS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Erol Tutumluer, Ph.D.Erol Tutumluer, Ph.D.Professor of Civil EngineeringProfessor of Civil Engineering

Paul F. Kent Endowed Faculty ScholarPaul F. Kent Endowed Faculty Scholar

Director Peeta delivers a public lecture at the University of South Australia (UniSA).

55

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

An esti mated 36% of our nati on’s major An esti mated 36% of our nati on’s major urban highways are congested (2009 ASCE urban highways are congested (2009 ASCE Report Card), costi ng Americans ti me and Report Card), costi ng Americans ti me and money while negati vely impacti ng the money while negati vely impacti ng the environment. Simultaneously, there is a environment. Simultaneously, there is a need for a signifi cant increase in highway need for a signifi cant increase in highway funding for facility renewal and preservati on funding for facility renewal and preservati on (Nati onal Surface Transportati on Policy and (Nati onal Surface Transportati on Policy and Revenue Commission, 2007). Revenue Commission, 2007).

One initi ati ve that could help alleviate both One initi ati ve that could help alleviate both of these problems is dynamic congesti on of these problems is dynamic congesti on pricing (DCP). DCP allows toll prices to pricing (DCP). DCP allows toll prices to conti nually adjust according to traffi c condi-conti nually adjust according to traffi c condi-ti ons, increasing when the tolled lane(s) ti ons, increasing when the tolled lane(s) are busy and decreasing when the tolled are busy and decreasing when the tolled lane(s) are less busy. The prevailing price is lane(s) are less busy. The prevailing price is displayed on electronic signs located at the displayed on electronic signs located at the approaches to the tolled secti on.approaches to the tolled secti on.

DCP not only generates revenue, but also DCP not only generates revenue, but also induces more effi cient use of highway infra-induces more effi cient use of highway infra-structure. Since the majority of rush-hour structure. Since the majority of rush-hour drivers on a typical urban highway are non drivers on a typical urban highway are non

commuters, DCP discourages overuse of commuters, DCP discourages overuse of highways during peak hours, enabling the highways during peak hours, enabling the system to fl ow much more effi ciently.system to fl ow much more effi ciently.

This NEXTRANS research project aims to This NEXTRANS research project aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementi ng DCP evaluate the feasibility of implementi ng DCP in Indiana. The evoluti on of the congesti on in Indiana. The evoluti on of the congesti on pricing, which is synthesized in the study, pricing, which is synthesized in the study, is characterized by a dichotomy in concept: is characterized by a dichotomy in concept: the stati c model and the dynamic model. the stati c model and the dynamic model. The stati c model, fi rst introduced by Alan The stati c model, fi rst introduced by Alan Walter in 1961, has served as the standard Walter in 1961, has served as the standard model unti l recent ti mes due to its straight-model unti l recent ti mes due to its straight-forwardness; however, it is plagued by a forwardness; however, it is plagued by a

number of limitati ons including implemen-number of limitati ons including implemen-tati on issues. The dynamic model, devel-tati on issues. The dynamic model, devel-oped towards the end of the last century, is oped towards the end of the last century, is more realisti c, but is more complicated and more realisti c, but is more complicated and requires more detailed inputs compared to requires more detailed inputs compared to the stati c model. the stati c model.

This project analyzes well-tested theories for This project analyzes well-tested theories for both stati c and dynamic congesti on pricing both stati c and dynamic congesti on pricing scenarios from an economic viewpoint and scenarios from an economic viewpoint and evaluates the feasibility of their implemen-evaluates the feasibility of their implemen-tati on. It also examines DCP experiences tati on. It also examines DCP experiences from citi es around the world. Research-from citi es around the world. Research-ers then examine the cost and benefi ts of ers then examine the cost and benefi ts of a hypotheti cal implementati on of DCP in a hypotheti cal implementati on of DCP in a fast-growing urban freeway corridor in a fast-growing urban freeway corridor in

Indianapolis. It is hoped that this study will, Indianapolis. It is hoped that this study will, among other objecti ves, shed more light among other objecti ves, shed more light on the feasibility of congesti on pricing as a on the feasibility of congesti on pricing as a strategy for congesti on miti gati on and as a strategy for congesti on miti gati on and as a source of revenue generati on. source of revenue generati on.

The potenti al benefi ts of this research are The potenti al benefi ts of this research are numerous. DCP can reduce driver delays numerous. DCP can reduce driver delays and stress, increase the predictability of trip and stress, increase the predictability of trip ti mes, and boost the economy by allow-ti mes, and boost the economy by allow-ing for more effi cient freight movement. It ing for more effi cient freight movement. It can provide additi onal revenue for funding can provide additi onal revenue for funding transportati on, and can help maximize the transportati on, and can help maximize the value of public investment in highway facili-value of public investment in highway facili-ti es. DCP can also translate into environ-ti es. DCP can also translate into environ-mental benefi ts by reducing fuel consump-mental benefi ts by reducing fuel consump-ti on and vehicle emissions. ti on and vehicle emissions.

EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF DYNAMIC CONGESTION PRICINGFinancial and Technical Feasibility of Dynamic Congesti on Pricing as a Revenue Generati on Source in Indiana: Financial and Technical Feasibility of Dynamic Congesti on Pricing as a Revenue Generati on Source in Indiana:

Exploiti ng the Availability of Real-Time Informati on and Dynamic Pricing TechnologiesExploiti ng the Availability of Real-Time Informati on and Dynamic Pricing TechnologiesInvesti gated by Samuel Labi and Kumares Sinha (Purdue University)Investi gated by Samuel Labi and Kumares Sinha (Purdue University)

Dynamic congesti on pricing Dynamic congesti on pricing can reduce driver delays and can reduce driver delays and stress, increase predictability stress, increase predictability of trip ti mes, and boost the of trip ti mes, and boost the economy by allowing for more economy by allowing for more effi cient freight movement. effi cient freight movement.

Figure 1: The opti mal congesti on toll can be identi -fi ed using the classical model for road pricing.

6

EDUCATION

MEET THE 2010 NEXTRANS UNDERGRADUATE INTERNS

Michael LodesMichael Lodes holds a B.A. holds a B.A. in Music Educati on (2006), in Music Educati on (2006), and is currently pursuing a and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engineering at B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois at the University of Illinois at Urbana –Champaign (UIUC). Urbana –Champaign (UIUC). For his internship, Michael For his internship, Michael worked with Dr. Ray Beneko-worked with Dr. Ray Beneko-hal at UIUC on a project that hal at UIUC on a project that aimed to determine the com-aimed to determine the com-fort level of bicyclists in rela-fort level of bicyclists in rela-ti on to motor vehicles based ti on to motor vehicles based

on passing distance, lateral positi ons, and the operati onal on passing distance, lateral positi ons, and the operati onal space of cyclists. He developed a survey uti lizing photos space of cyclists. He developed a survey uti lizing photos taken at varying distances between curb, bicycle, and ve-taken at varying distances between curb, bicycle, and ve-hicle, asking respondents to indicate their relati ve comfort hicle, asking respondents to indicate their relati ve comfort levels for each image. Michael hopes this research will levels for each image. Michael hopes this research will help lead to improvements in the current level of service help lead to improvements in the current level of service models and help agencies make bett er spending decisions models and help agencies make bett er spending decisions with increased pedestrian/bicycle funding. with increased pedestrian/bicycle funding.

Mark AsmuthMark Asmuth is currently is currently pursuing a B.S. in Electrical pursuing a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Penn State Engineering at Penn State University (University Park, University (University Park, PA). For his internship, Mark PA). For his internship, Mark worked with J. Riley Edwards, worked with J. Riley Edwards, Dr. Narendra Ahuja, Dr. Chris-Dr. Narendra Ahuja, Dr. Chris-topher Barkan, and John Hart topher Barkan, and John Hart at the University of Illinois at at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on re-Urbana-Champaign on re-search that aims to increase search that aims to increase the effi ciency of railroad track the effi ciency of railroad track

inspecti on. Researchers are currently recording images of inspecti on. Researchers are currently recording images of track from a moving vehicle and using advanced machine track from a moving vehicle and using advanced machine vision algorithms to detect broken or defecti ve track com-vision algorithms to detect broken or defecti ve track com-ponents. Mark parti cipated in fi eld testi ng and worked to ponents. Mark parti cipated in fi eld testi ng and worked to develop soluti ons to two major challenges: improving video develop soluti ons to two major challenges: improving video capture in adverse lighti ng conditi ons, and accurately deter-capture in adverse lighti ng conditi ons, and accurately deter-mining the locati ons of individual components found to be mining the locati ons of individual components found to be defecti ve. This project will help to enable safe, effi cient, and defecti ve. This project will help to enable safe, effi cient, and cost-eff ecti ve inspecti ons that reduce repair ti me and track cost-eff ecti ve inspecti ons that reduce repair ti me and track closings. closings.

Skyler Marti nSkyler Marti n is currently is currently pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engi-pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engi-neering at the Missouri Uni-neering at the Missouri Uni-versity of Science and Technol-versity of Science and Technol-ogy. For his internship, Skyler ogy. For his internship, Skyler worked with Dr. Ray Benekohal worked with Dr. Ray Benekohal at the University of Illinois at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on a at Urbana-Champaign on a project that aimed to deter-project that aimed to deter-mine if there is a relati onship mine if there is a relati onship between increasing gas prices between increasing gas prices and transit ridership. There and transit ridership. There

are a number of factors that infl uence rises in transit use, are a number of factors that infl uence rises in transit use, including populati on density, routes, fares, serviceability, including populati on density, routes, fares, serviceability, rider income level, auto ownership, and gas prices. Skyler rider income level, auto ownership, and gas prices. Skyler tracked increases in gas prices over the last ten years, and tracked increases in gas prices over the last ten years, and att empted to correlate this with a decrease in passenger ve-att empted to correlate this with a decrease in passenger ve-hicle miles traveled and an increase in transit ridership. He hicle miles traveled and an increase in transit ridership. He concluded that while commuters are turning towards more concluded that while commuters are turning towards more fuel effi cient modes of transportati on, there are too many fuel effi cient modes of transportati on, there are too many factors to establish a solid relati onship between transit use factors to establish a solid relati onship between transit use and gas prices without further study. and gas prices without further study.

James PokornyJames Pokorny is currently is currently pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engi-pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engi-neering at Villanova Univer-neering at Villanova Univer-sity. For his internship, James sity. For his internship, James worked with Dr. Srinivas Peeta worked with Dr. Srinivas Peeta and Dr. Sushant Sharma at and Dr. Sushant Sharma at Purdue University on research Purdue University on research that aims to understand the that aims to understand the benefi ts that real-ti me traffi c benefi ts that real-ti me traffi c informati on provides to com-informati on provides to com-muters. Real-ti me traffi c infor-muters. Real-ti me traffi c infor-mati on is currently provided mati on is currently provided

via email, text messages, voice messages, etc. in many U.S. via email, text messages, voice messages, etc. in many U.S. citi es. The content of this informati on can include conges-citi es. The content of this informati on can include conges-ti on warnings, expected delays, and alternate route sugges-ti on warnings, expected delays, and alternate route sugges-ti ons. James designed a Stated Preference (SP) survey and ti ons. James designed a Stated Preference (SP) survey and developed a model to help determine what environmental developed a model to help determine what environmental factors and demographics aff ect a commuter’s likelihood of factors and demographics aff ect a commuter’s likelihood of switching routes based on real-ti me informati on. This will switching routes based on real-ti me informati on. This will potenti ally help agencies to achieve the maximum benefi t potenti ally help agencies to achieve the maximum benefi t when implementi ng such programs. when implementi ng such programs.

77

EDUCATION

ALI HAJBABAIE

Ali Hajbabaie is a Ph.D. candidate at the Ali Hajbabaie is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-paign. He holds a M.S. in Transportati on paign. He holds a M.S. in Transportati on Planning (2006), and a B.S. in Civil and Planning (2006), and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (2003) from Environmental Engineering (2003) from Sharif University of Technology (Tehran, Sharif University of Technology (Tehran, Iran). Iran).

Ali’s main research interests include Ali’s main research interests include the areas of opti mizati on, traffi c signal the areas of opti mizati on, traffi c signal systems, traffi c simulati on, traffi c safety, systems, traffi c simulati on, traffi c safety, transportati on planning, and transporta-transportati on planning, and transporta-ti on demand management. His Ph.D. dis-ti on demand management. His Ph.D. dis-sertati on focuses on Intelligent Dynamic sertati on focuses on Intelligent Dynamic Signal Timing Opti mizati on. Signal Timing Opti mizati on.

Ali is currently working with Professor Ali is currently working with Professor Ray Benekohal on a NEXTRANS-funded Ray Benekohal on a NEXTRANS-funded project ti tled “Traffi c Signal Coordinati on project ti tled “Traffi c Signal Coordinati on

and Queue Management in Oversatu-and Queue Management in Oversatu-rated Intersecti ons.” This study aims to rated Intersecti ons.” This study aims to develop a signal coordinati on method develop a signal coordinati on method based on the concept of queue mini-based on the concept of queue mini-mizati on in a network of oversaturated mizati on in a network of oversaturated intersecti ons. This will help to advance intersecti ons. This will help to advance the basic understanding of congesti on the basic understanding of congesti on management in urban networks, and management in urban networks, and provides a methodology for determining provides a methodology for determining signal coordinati on.signal coordinati on.

In additi on to his research duti es, Ali is In additi on to his research duti es, Ali is acti vely involved in the UIUC Chapter of acti vely involved in the UIUC Chapter of the Insti tute of Transportati on Engineers the Insti tute of Transportati on Engineers (ITE), and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi (ITE), and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. In 2009, he received the honor society. In 2009, he received the Best Student Paper Award from ITE, Il-Best Student Paper Award from ITE, Il-linois secti on.linois secti on.

STUDENT SHOWCASE

MEET THE 2010 NEXTRANS UNDERGRADUATE INTERNS

Jarrett Powell Jarrett Powell is pursuing is pursuing a B.S. in Civil Engineering at a B.S. in Civil Engineering at Purdue University. For his Purdue University. For his internship, Jarrett worked internship, Jarrett worked with Dr. Samuel Labi at Purdue with Dr. Samuel Labi at Purdue on research exploring public-on research exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs). private partnerships (PPPs). In a standard PPP, the private In a standard PPP, the private sector fi nances, builds, main-sector fi nances, builds, main-tains, or operates an asset for tains, or operates an asset for the public sector, recovering the public sector, recovering the investment with revenues. the investment with revenues.

Since further shortf alls in public infrastructure funding are Since further shortf alls in public infrastructure funding are expected over the next fi ve years, expanding private sector expected over the next fi ve years, expanding private sector involvement may provide a sustainable means of fi nancing involvement may provide a sustainable means of fi nancing America’s infrastructure needs. For his internship, Jarrett America’s infrastructure needs. For his internship, Jarrett researched the history of PPPs, their characteristi cs, and researched the history of PPPs, their characteristi cs, and the mechanisms involved in the decision-making process. the mechanisms involved in the decision-making process. Ulti mately, this project seeks to create a simple, Excel-based Ulti mately, this project seeks to create a simple, Excel-based expert system that will help agencies select the most cost-expert system that will help agencies select the most cost-eff ecti ve PPP approach based on the project’s characteris-eff ecti ve PPP approach based on the project’s characteris-ti cs. ti cs.

Justi n VaydaJusti n Vayda is currently is currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering at Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University The Ohio State University (OSU). For his internship, Justi n (OSU). For his internship, Justi n worked with Dr. Rabi Mishalani, worked with Dr. Rabi Mishalani, Dr. Mark McCord, Dr. Prem Dr. Mark McCord, Dr. Prem Goel, and Dr. Paul Sivilotti Goel, and Dr. Paul Sivilotti at OSU on research involv-at OSU on research involv-ing the Smart Campus Transit ing the Smart Campus Transit Lab. NEXTRANS investi ga-Lab. NEXTRANS investi ga-tors, various OSU enti ti es, and tors, various OSU enti ti es, and

Clever Devices, Inc. are currently upgrading OSU’s Campus Clever Devices, Inc. are currently upgrading OSU’s Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) with a state-of-the-art “smart bus” Area Bus Service (CABS) with a state-of-the-art “smart bus” system. This new system includes advanced automoti ve system. This new system includes advanced automoti ve vehicle locati on (AVL), automated passenger counti ng (APC), vehicle locati on (AVL), automated passenger counti ng (APC), and a passenger informati on system. Justi n used this data and a passenger informati on system. Justi n used this data to analyze bus headways and load profi les. He developed to analyze bus headways and load profi les. He developed data structures to organize AVL and APC data consistently data structures to organize AVL and APC data consistently for long-term use in various studies, and worked on a web for long-term use in various studies, and worked on a web site that features the Campus Transit Lab and collected data. site that features the Campus Transit Lab and collected data.

8

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

NEXTRANS SEMINAR SERIES PROMOTES TECH TRANSFER

On May 7, 2010, On May 7, 2010, Dr. Samer M. Madanat Dr. Samer M. Madanat delivered a lecture delivered a lecture to students and faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-to students and faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as part of the NEXTRANS Seminar Series. The Champaign (UIUC) as part of the NEXTRANS Seminar Series. The seminar was ti tled, “Reliability-Based Opti mizati on of Mainte-seminar was ti tled, “Reliability-Based Opti mizati on of Mainte-nance and Replacement Policies for Heterogeneous System of nance and Replacement Policies for Heterogeneous System of Infrastructure Faciliti es.” This discussion addressed the deter-Infrastructure Faciliti es.” This discussion addressed the deter-minati on of opti mal maintenance and replacement policies for minati on of opti mal maintenance and replacement policies for a heterogeneous system of faciliti es, uti lizing a reliability-based a heterogeneous system of faciliti es, uti lizing a reliability-based framework based on opti mal policies at the facility level.framework based on opti mal policies at the facility level.

Dr. Madanat is the Xenel Disti nguished Professor in the Depart-Dr. Madanat is the Xenel Disti nguished Professor in the Depart-ment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the ment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Insti tute of Transportati on Studies at the University of California Insti tute of Transportati on Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. at Berkeley.

On May 11, 2010, On May 11, 2010, Dr. Xuesong ZhouDr. Xuesong Zhou delivered a NEXTRANS- delivered a NEXTRANS-sponsored seminar to students and faculty at Purdue University. sponsored seminar to students and faculty at Purdue University. The lecture, ti tled, “High-speed Passenger Trains on Freight The lecture, ti tled, “High-speed Passenger Trains on Freight Tracks: Modeling Issues On Capacity Analysis, Train Timetabling Tracks: Modeling Issues On Capacity Analysis, Train Timetabling and Real-Time Dispatching,” discussed uti lizing existi ng freight and Real-Time Dispatching,” discussed uti lizing existi ng freight rail lines to operate high-speed passenger trains, a shared-use rail lines to operate high-speed passenger trains, a shared-use strategy currently being considered in the U.S. Dr. Zhou ad-strategy currently being considered in the U.S. Dr. Zhou ad-dressed three operati onal elements in the context of shared-dressed three operati onal elements in the context of shared-use freight tracks: capacity esti mati on, train ti metabling and use freight tracks: capacity esti mati on, train ti metabling and real-ti me train dispatching. Aft er reviewing existi ng opti mizati on real-ti me train dispatching. Aft er reviewing existi ng opti mizati on and simulati on-based models, he discussed potenti al scheduling and simulati on-based models, he discussed potenti al scheduling complexiti es between passenger train ti metabling and on-de-complexiti es between passenger train ti metabling and on-de-mand freight train dispatching.mand freight train dispatching.

Dr. Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Dr. Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah. Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah.

On June 28, 2010, On June 28, 2010, Dr. Michael Shiff erDr. Michael Shiff er delivered a NEXTRANS- delivered a NEXTRANS-sponsored seminar to students and faculty at The Ohio State sponsored seminar to students and faculty at The Ohio State University. The lecture was ti tled, “Reshaping Transit Planning in University. The lecture was ti tled, “Reshaping Transit Planning in Metro Vancouver Through Dynamic Illustrati on, Solid Evidence Metro Vancouver Through Dynamic Illustrati on, Solid Evidence and Careful Conversati ons.” With a focus on Vancouver, Brit-and Careful Conversati ons.” With a focus on Vancouver, Brit-ish Columbia, this presentati on described how transportati on ish Columbia, this presentati on described how transportati on agencies can leverage new data sources, multi media tools and agencies can leverage new data sources, multi media tools and parti cipatory techniques to reshape their approach to planning. parti cipatory techniques to reshape their approach to planning.

Dr. Shiff er discussed the recent Dr. Shiff er discussed the recent successes surrounding the delivery successes surrounding the delivery of transit services during the 2010 of transit services during the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well as recent Winter Olympics, as well as recent transit and roadway infrastructure transit and roadway infrastructure improvements that will have a improvements that will have a legacy for generati ons to come.legacy for generati ons to come.

Dr. Shiff er is Vice President for Dr. Shiff er is Vice President for Planning at TransLink, where he is Planning at TransLink, where he is responsible for planning acti viti es responsible for planning acti viti es that support major roads, bridges, that support major roads, bridges, bikeways, freight and public transit bikeways, freight and public transit networks in the Vancouver region. networks in the Vancouver region.

Please visit htt p://www.purdue.Please visit htt p://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/nextrans/tech/edu/discoverypark/nextrans/tech/seminar.php for more informati on seminar.php for more informati on about the NEXTRANS Seminar about the NEXTRANS Seminar Series. Series. Dr. Madanat (fi ft h from right) poses with students at UIUC on May 7, 2010.

Dr. Zhou (third from right) poses with students and NEXTRANS staff at Purdue on May 11, 2010.

99

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

The NEXTRANS Center was pleased to The NEXTRANS Center was pleased to host a session on March 10, 2010 dur-host a session on March 10, 2010 dur-ing the 95th Annual Purdue Road School. ing the 95th Annual Purdue Road School. The session, ti tled, “Striking the Balance The session, ti tled, “Striking the Balance Among Transportati on Goals: Economics, Among Transportati on Goals: Economics, Energy, and Safety,” included presenta-Energy, and Safety,” included presenta-ti ons on three NEXTRANS-sponsored proj-ti ons on three NEXTRANS-sponsored proj-ects that highlighted the integrated nature ects that highlighted the integrated nature of the Center’s research.of the Center’s research.

Graduate researcher Josh Mills presented Graduate researcher Josh Mills presented research that establishes a link between research that establishes a link between highway bypasses and changes in the local highway bypasses and changes in the local economy. Dr. Wallace Tyner (Purdue) economy. Dr. Wallace Tyner (Purdue) discussed the impacts of cellulosic biofuel discussed the impacts of cellulosic biofuel producti on on Indiana road infrastructure. producti on on Indiana road infrastructure. Finally, Dr. Lili Du (NEXTRANS Research Finally, Dr. Lili Du (NEXTRANS Research Associate) addressed how to best allocate Associate) addressed how to best allocate limited resources in order to improve the limited resources in order to improve the functi onality of infrastructure networks functi onality of infrastructure networks during natural or man-made disasters. during natural or man-made disasters.

In additi on to this session, hundreds of In additi on to this session, hundreds of parti cipants visited the NEXTRANS Cen-parti cipants visited the NEXTRANS Cen-ter’s exhibit booth, where staff member ter’s exhibit booth, where staff member Nija Phelps updated them on the Center’s Nija Phelps updated them on the Center’s current research, educati on, and technol-current research, educati on, and technol-ogy transfer acti viti es. ogy transfer acti viti es.

The 2010 Road School was coordinated by The 2010 Road School was coordinated by the Joint Transportati on Research Program the Joint Transportati on Research Program (JTRP), and chaired by JTRP Director Dr. (JTRP), and chaired by JTRP Director Dr. Kumares Sinha, and NEXTRANS investi ga-Kumares Sinha, and NEXTRANS investi ga-tor Dr. Jon Fricker.tor Dr. Jon Fricker.

For more informati on on the Purdue For more informati on on the Purdue Road School, please visit htt p://rebar.ecn.Road School, please visit htt p://rebar.ecn.purdue.edu/jtrp_redesign/Educati on/purdue.edu/jtrp_redesign/Educati on/RoadSchool.aspx. RoadSchool.aspx.

NEXTRANS Research Associate Dr. NEXTRANS Research Associate Dr. Sushant Sharma co-chaired a session at Sushant Sharma co-chaired a session at the ITS JPO (Intelligent Transportati on the ITS JPO (Intelligent Transportati on Systems Joint Program Offi ce) Strategic Systems Joint Program Offi ce) Strategic Research Plan UTC/University Workshop, Research Plan UTC/University Workshop, held on April 28 – 29, 2010 at USDOT held on April 28 – 29, 2010 at USDOT headquarters in Washington, D.C. headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Sharma co-chaired a session on the Dr. Sharma co-chaired a session on the potenti al environmental applicati ons of potenti al environmental applicati ons of ITS from a university perspecti ve. He ITS from a university perspecti ve. He

presented a number of environmentally-related research proj-presented a number of environmentally-related research proj-ects recently conducted by NEXTRANS and Purdue University, ects recently conducted by NEXTRANS and Purdue University, discussing their potenti al overlap with ITS research. He empha-discussing their potenti al overlap with ITS research. He empha-sized that real-ti me data procured by ITS could more eff ecti vely sized that real-ti me data procured by ITS could more eff ecti vely quanti fy CO2 emissions, providing bett er data for research and quanti fy CO2 emissions, providing bett er data for research and allowing agencies to develop policies for CO2 reducti on. He also allowing agencies to develop policies for CO2 reducti on. He also discussed the benefi ts of moving toward a “system of systems” discussed the benefi ts of moving toward a “system of systems” approach, in which all modes and systems are integrated to approach, in which all modes and systems are integrated to achieve sustainability (improved effi ciency, reduced cost, and achieve sustainability (improved effi ciency, reduced cost, and energy consumpti on). energy consumpti on).

The 2010 Council of Univer-The 2010 Council of Univer-sity Transportati on Centers sity Transportati on Centers (CUTC) Summer Meeti ng (CUTC) Summer Meeti ng was held on June 7 - 9, 2010 was held on June 7 - 9, 2010 at Texas A&M University in at Texas A&M University in College Stati on, Texas. College Stati on, Texas.

Srinivas Peeta (Center Direc-Srinivas Peeta (Center Direc-tor), Rick Evans (Managing tor), Rick Evans (Managing Director), and Jessica Mehr Director), and Jessica Mehr (Communicati ons Coordina-(Communicati ons Coordina-tor) represented NEXTRANS tor) represented NEXTRANS at the event, which featured at the event, which featured discussions on a variety of relevant UTC topics. These included discussions on a variety of relevant UTC topics. These included communicati ng the value of research, workforce development, communicati ng the value of research, workforce development, best practi ces, capturing performance indicators, reauthoriza-best practi ces, capturing performance indicators, reauthoriza-ti on, and developing and sustaining partnerships. ti on, and developing and sustaining partnerships.

For more informati on about this year’s meeti ng, please visit For more informati on about this year’s meeti ng, please visit htt p://cutc.tamu.edu/index.html. htt p://cutc.tamu.edu/index.html.

STAFF ATTEND CUTC SUMMER MEETING

RESEARCHERS “STRIKE THE BALANCE” AT PURDUE ROAD SCHOOL

ITS WORKSHOP PROMOTES COLLABORATION

Dr. Sushant Sharma at ITS JPO Workshop. Director Srinivas Peeta (Left ) and Managing

Director Rick Evans (Right) at CUTC Summer Meeti ng.

Dr. Wallace Tyner (Top) and Josh Mills (Bott om) deliver presentati ons at the Purdue Road School.

1010

PEOPLE

FACULTY PROFILE: BEN COIFMAN WELCOME, RICK EVANS

NEXTRANS is pleased to intro-NEXTRANS is pleased to intro-duce the Center’s new Manag-duce the Center’s new Manag-ing Director, Rick Evans. ing Director, Rick Evans.

Rick holds a M.S. in Higher Ed-Rick holds a M.S. in Higher Ed-ucati on Business and Finance ucati on Business and Finance from Purdue University (2004), from Purdue University (2004), and a B.S. in Agribusiness from and a B.S. in Agribusiness from Illinois State University (1992). Illinois State University (1992). Rick worked in the agricultural Rick worked in the agricultural industry for eight years (1992 industry for eight years (1992 – 2000) before moving to – 2000) before moving to Sponsored Program Services Sponsored Program Services

at Purdue University (2000-2007). He then served as the Associ-at Purdue University (2000-2007). He then served as the Associ-ate Director of the Offi ce of Sponsored Programs at Georgia State ate Director of the Offi ce of Sponsored Programs at Georgia State University (2007 – 2010) prior to assuming his role at NEXTRANS in University (2007 – 2010) prior to assuming his role at NEXTRANS in March 2010. March 2010.

The role of the MD is to implement the strategic plan by supervis-The role of the MD is to implement the strategic plan by supervis-ing day-to-day operati ons, as well as research, educati on, and out-ing day-to-day operati ons, as well as research, educati on, and out-reach acti viti es. Rick’s duti es include overseeing the Center’s staff , reach acti viti es. Rick’s duti es include overseeing the Center’s staff , budget, and fi nances; coordinati ng the research selecti on process; budget, and fi nances; coordinati ng the research selecti on process; and ensuring ti mely delivery of required publicati ons, reports, and and ensuring ti mely delivery of required publicati ons, reports, and performance indicators. Welcome, Rick!performance indicators. Welcome, Rick!

Ben Coifman is currently Ben Coifman is currently an Associate Professor of an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Ohio Engineering at The Ohio State University. His State University. His research interests include research interests include developing Intelligent developing Intelligent Transportati on Systems Transportati on Systems (ITS) and new approaches (ITS) and new approaches to traffi c surveillance that to traffi c surveillance that will lead to bett er traffi c will lead to bett er traffi c control and bett er traffi c control and bett er traffi c fl ow theory. fl ow theory.

Dr. Coifman’s NEXTRANS-sponsored research focuses on Dr. Coifman’s NEXTRANS-sponsored research focuses on developing innovati ve and cost-eff ecti ve vehicle classifi cati on developing innovati ve and cost-eff ecti ve vehicle classifi cati on strategies. First, researchers aim to use the existi ng infra-strategies. First, researchers aim to use the existi ng infra-structure more effi ciently by extending vehicle classifi cati on structure more effi ciently by extending vehicle classifi cati on coverage to single loop detectors (and non-invasive detectors coverage to single loop detectors (and non-invasive detectors that emulate single loop detectors). Second, researchers that emulate single loop detectors). Second, researchers are investi gati ng alternati ves for vehicle classifi cati on, such are investi gati ng alternati ves for vehicle classifi cati on, such as LIDAR (Light Detecti on and Ranging) to monitor passing as LIDAR (Light Detecti on and Ranging) to monitor passing vehicles. A LIDAR unit refl ects a laser, identi fying obstruc-vehicles. A LIDAR unit refl ects a laser, identi fying obstruc-ti ons in the laser’s path, allowing researchers to produce a ti ons in the laser’s path, allowing researchers to produce a 3D “image” of an object. These stati ons can potenti ally cost 3D “image” of an object. These stati ons can potenti ally cost much less than comparable in-pavement systems.much less than comparable in-pavement systems.

Dr. Coifman has published 29 peer reviewed journal arti cles Dr. Coifman has published 29 peer reviewed journal arti cles and 54 papers in conference proceedings. His honors include and 54 papers in conference proceedings. His honors include the Award for Best ITS Research (ITS America, 2000) and the the Award for Best ITS Research (ITS America, 2000) and the NSF CAREER Award. His professional memberships include NSF CAREER Award. His professional memberships include several TRB (Transportati on Research Board) Committ ees, the several TRB (Transportati on Research Board) Committ ees, the IEEE Intelligent Transportati on Systems Society Board of Gov-IEEE Intelligent Transportati on Systems Society Board of Gov-ernors, and the ITS Mid-America Board of Directors (2003-ernors, and the ITS Mid-America Board of Directors (2003-2007). He is on the Editorial Advisory Board for 2007). He is on the Editorial Advisory Board for Transporta-Transporta-ti on Research Part A ti on Research Part A and and Part BPart B, and is an Associate Editor of , and is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Intelligent Transportati on Systems. the Journal of Intelligent Transportati on Systems.

Dr. Coifman completed a BEE in Electrical Engineering from Dr. Coifman completed a BEE in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota (1992). He holds M.S. (1995), the University of Minnesota (1992). He holds M.S. (1995), M.Eng (1998), and Ph.D. (1998) degrees in Civil and Envi-M.Eng (1998), and Ph.D. (1998) degrees in Civil and Envi-ronmental Engineering from the University of California at ronmental Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.Berkeley.

WELCOME, ANDREA MCINTYRE

Andrea McIntyre recently joined the NEX-Andrea McIntyre recently joined the NEX-TRANS team as the Center’s new Commu-TRANS team as the Center’s new Commu-nicati ons Coordinator. nicati ons Coordinator.

Andrea holds a B.A. in Communicati ons Andrea holds a B.A. in Communicati ons from Purdue University (2009), with from Purdue University (2009), with specializati ons in Public Relati ons and specializati ons in Public Relati ons and Rhetorical Advocacy. She recently served Rhetorical Advocacy. She recently served as Editor-in-Chief of the Bluff ton News as Editor-in-Chief of the Bluff ton News

in Bluff ton, Ohio, where she completed a broad range of writi ng, in Bluff ton, Ohio, where she completed a broad range of writi ng, graphic design, and editorial tasks. graphic design, and editorial tasks.

As the NEXTRANS Center’s Communicati ons Coordinator, Andrea’s As the NEXTRANS Center’s Communicati ons Coordinator, Andrea’s major duti es will include writi ng, editi ng, and designing all Center major duti es will include writi ng, editi ng, and designing all Center publicati ons; updati ng the Center’s web site; and coordinati ng publicati ons; updati ng the Center’s web site; and coordinati ng educati onal and outreach programs such as the Seminar Series, educati onal and outreach programs such as the Seminar Series, Undergraduate Summer Internship in Transportati on, and Indiana Undergraduate Summer Internship in Transportati on, and Indiana High School Essay Competi ti on. Welcome, Andrea! High School Essay Competi ti on. Welcome, Andrea!

1111

PEOPLEM

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THE ADVISORY COU

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THE ADVISORY COU

NCIL

FIDEL SAENZ DE ORMIJANA

Fidel Saenz de Ormijana, Ph.D.Fidel Saenz de Ormijana, Ph.D.Technical DirectorTechnical Director

Ferrovial Agroman US CorpFerrovial Agroman US Corp

Purdue University,Purdue University, Lead Insti tuti on & Major Partner Lead Insti tuti on & Major Partner

The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University, Major Partner Major Partner

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, ,

Major Partner Major Partner

Wayne State University,Wayne State University, Strategic Partner Strategic Partner

Illinois Insti tute of TechnologyIllinois Insti tute of Technology, Strategic Partner, Strategic Partner

University of Wisconsin, Platt evilleUniversity of Wisconsin, Platt eville, ,

Strategic PartnerStrategic Partner

Indiana University-Purdue University Indiana University-Purdue University

Indianapolis,Indianapolis, Insti tuti onal Resource Partner Insti tuti onal Resource Partner

Marti n UniversityMarti n University, Insti tuti onal Resource Partner, Insti tuti onal Resource Partner

UNIVERSITY PARTNERS CENTER STAFF

Srinivas Peeta, Ph.D. Srinivas Peeta, Ph.D. DirectorDirector

Jessica MehrJessica MehrCommunicati ons CoordinatorCommunicati ons Coordinator

Fidel Saenz de Ormijana has over 25 years Fidel Saenz de Ormijana has over 25 years experience in engineering, both in the experience in engineering, both in the water resources and transportati on fi elds. water resources and transportati on fi elds. He holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering He holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain), and M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees in Civil (Spain), and M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Engineering from the University of Texas at Austi n. He is currently Technical Director Austi n. He is currently Technical Director of Ferrovial Agroman US Corp, where he of Ferrovial Agroman US Corp, where he has worked since 1994. Dr. Saenz de Ormi-has worked since 1994. Dr. Saenz de Ormi-jana is responsible for the engineering jana is responsible for the engineering and technical aspects of all public-private and technical aspects of all public-private partnership (PPP) projects that the com-partnership (PPP) projects that the com-pany undertakes. These include current pany undertakes. These include current toll road projects in Indiana and Texas. He toll road projects in Indiana and Texas. He stays acti ve in professional societi es and stays acti ve in professional societi es and parti cipates regularly in technical forums parti cipates regularly in technical forums and conferences. and conferences.

Dr. Saenz de Ormijana has served on the Dr. Saenz de Ormijana has served on the NEXTRANS Advisory Council (AC) since NEXTRANS Advisory Council (AC) since the Center’s incepti on. In this role, he the Center’s incepti on. In this role, he has regularly contributed to AC meeti ngs, has regularly contributed to AC meeti ngs, and reviews research need statements for and reviews research need statements for potenti al NEXTRANS projects. He parti ci-potenti al NEXTRANS projects. He parti ci-

pated in the Center’s Inaugural Summit pated in the Center’s Inaugural Summit (May 2008) and its fi rst offi cial site visit (May 2008) and its fi rst offi cial site visit conducted by the USDOT’s Research and conducted by the USDOT’s Research and Innovati ve Technology Administrati on Innovati ve Technology Administrati on (November 2009). In December 2008, (November 2009). In December 2008, Dr. Saenz de Ormijana contributed to the Dr. Saenz de Ormijana contributed to the Center’s workforce development eff orts by Center’s workforce development eff orts by leading a workshop at Purdue University, leading a workshop at Purdue University, which allowed graduate students to ana-which allowed graduate students to ana-lyze a potenti al PPP toll road project from lyze a potenti al PPP toll road project from the perspecti ve of private-sector investors. the perspecti ve of private-sector investors.

Of his work on the NEXTRANS Advisory Of his work on the NEXTRANS Advisory Council, Dr. Saenz de Ormijana states: Council, Dr. Saenz de Ormijana states: “The practi cal viewpoint that I contribute “The practi cal viewpoint that I contribute helps researchers refi ne their thinking into helps researchers refi ne their thinking into ways that research can be more directly ways that research can be more directly useful in the real-word. At the same ti me, useful in the real-word. At the same ti me, my role gives me the opportunity to learn my role gives me the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas with my peers.”and exchange ideas with my peers.”

NEXTRANS thanks Dr. Saenz de Ormijana NEXTRANS thanks Dr. Saenz de Ormijana for his conti nuous contributi on to the for his conti nuous contributi on to the Center’s mission, and looks forward to his Center’s mission, and looks forward to his involvement in future acti viti es. involvement in future acti viti es.

Nija PhelpsNija PhelpsSecretarySecretary

Rick EvansRick EvansManaging DirectorManaging Director

Lili Du, Ph.D.Lili Du, Ph.D.Research AssociateResearch Associate

Sushant Sharma, Ph.D.Sushant Sharma, Ph.D.Research AssociateResearch Associate

USDOT Region V Regional University Transportati on Center2700 Kent Avenue, B100West Lafayett e, IN 47906Phone: 765-496-9729Fax: 765-807-3123nextrans@purdue.edu

www.purdue.edu/dp/nextranswww.purdue.edu/dp/nextrans

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