Past Events
The California State University Transportation Consortium organizes or participates in numerous transportation-related events each year. Details about past events, including links to presentations and other relevant resources, when available, are listed below.
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September 17, 2026  |
Moving Goods, Managing Impacts: Planning for Sustainable Freight - Online This MTI Research Snaps webinar is based on Routes to Sustainable Goods Movement: How Local and Regional Governmental Agencies Can Plan for the Sustainable Freight System of the Future. Freight keeps our economy and everyday lives moving, but growing demand also brings growing costs. Urban areas are increasingly contending with congestion, infrastructure strain, emissions, pollution, and safety concerns, often concentrated in already burdened communities. In this webinar, Dr. Serena Alexander shared findings from her research examining goods movement plans from eight major U.S. metropolitan regions. She explored how agencies are working to balance economic competitiveness with sustainability, resilience, and equity, highlighting strategies gaining ground as well as areas where freight planning continues to fall short. The discussion also examined how persistent challenges related to data, funding, and coordination are shaping the future of metropolitan freight planning. View Recording.View PDH Credit.About the Featured GuestSerena E. Alexander, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and Engineering and Interim Director of the Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy at Northeastern University. Her research focuses on transportation decarbonization, climate resilience, freight and rail systems, and equity, with an emphasis on applied, policy-relevant research that informs planning and decision-making. She previously served as a Visiting Scholar of Climate Policy and Infrastructure Resilience at the U.S. Department of Transportation and is a Research Associate with the Mineta Transportation Institute. Prior to joining Northeastern, Dr. Alexander was on the faculty in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at San José State University. She has led several federally and statefunded research projects supported by USDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration, Caltrans, and the California State University Transportation Consortium. Her work has been published in academic journals such as Cities, Transportation Research Record, and Sustainability, and she regularly engages with transportation agencies and practitioners through technical reports, workshops, and invited talks. Dr. Alexander holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs from Cleveland State University, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and degrees in Architectural Engineering from Azad University of Tehran. |
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September 15, 2026  |
Trailblazer Tuesday with Lynda Tran The Mineta Transportation Institute hosted a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women, representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector, shared their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Audience gained valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. Featured Guest: Lynda Tran, CEO, Lincoln Room Strategies & MTI Trustee This webinar was co-sponsored by COMTO. View Recording.View PDH Credit.About the Featured GuestLynda is a nationally recognized leader in transportation and infrastructure policy. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Mineta Transportation Institute and serves on the Board of Directors for STV, a leading professional services firm that plans, designs, and manages infrastructure projects across North America. Lynda is a member of the Board of Directors for Main Street America, a national network of local and grassroots leaders working to strengthen economies and improve quality of life in thousands of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts all across America.
During her tenure at DOT, Lynda served as the agency’s official designee to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawai’ians and Pacific Islanders. Lynda returned to federal service after co-founding 270 Strategies, where she developed public engagement strategies for a variety of campaigns, companies, and causes across the globe. A CBS News Political Contributor and columnist through the 2020 campaign cycle and frequent commentator, Lynda regularly appears in major national and international broadcast, print, and interactive news media. She has been featured on Glassceiling.com and was profiled by Modernae Woman.
During the Obama Administration, Lynda was director of communications for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation. She steered NHTSA through numerous communications crises and helped inform key policy decisions by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, and White House officials. In this role, Lynda oversaw the agency’s nationwide earned and paid media efforts, including messaging on federal regulations, new automotive safety technologies, and vehicle fuel economy, as well as nearly $30 million each year dedicated to NHTSA’s “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns.
Lynda earned a Masters degree in International Policy and Development from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania. She speaks Vietnamese, French, and conversational Spanish.
Presenters: Lynda Tran & Karen Philbrick, PhD |
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September 9, 2026  |
The Mineta Forum on Transportation Policy & Leadership: Honoring a Legacy of Service - Ballroom, The National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20045 Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, transportation leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered in Washington, D.C., to reflect on one of the most defining moments in modern American history and honor the enduring legacy of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.
Following the attacks on September 11, then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta made the unprecedented decision to ground every aircraft in American airspace—a decisive act of leadership that fundamentally reshaped transportation security and crisis response in the United States.
The event united leaders from across the political aisle, including many who worked alongside Secretary Mineta, individuals who have helped transform the movement of people and goods, and those who continue advancing his legacy of bipartisan collaboration in service to the American people. Through thoughtful discussions on transportation policy, security, workforce development, and leadership, participants reflected on the lessons of the past while considering the future of mobility.
The Mineta Forum on Transportation Policy & Leadership Host Committee:
Forum AgendaMaster of Ceremonies
Welcome RemarksSpeakers (in speaking order):
Keynote Address | A Son of San José: The Legacy of Norman Y. MinetaSecretary Mineta’s sons share personal reflections on their father and the extraordinary journey that took him from childhood incarceration at Heart Mountain to public service and leadership that forever changed the nation. Through their perspective, this keynote honors Secretary Mineta’s life, values, and enduring legacy.
Speakers (listed alphabetically):
Fireside Chat | In the Room That Day: Leadership on 9/11Former Mineta senior advisors reunite to share perspectives from the team at the center of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s response to the September 11 attacks. Together, they offer a rare firsthand account of how Secretary Mineta and his team navigated unprecedented decisions in the midst of a national crisis—and the leadership lessons that continue to resonate 25 years later.
Speakers (listed alphabetically):
The Day the Skies Closed: Frontline Perspectives from 9/11When U.S. air traffic came to an unprecedented halt on September 11, the effects were immediate for the pilots and flight attendants at the heart of the aviation system. Captain Wendy Morse and Sara Nelson center the experiences of aviation’s frontline workforce, reflecting on the immediate and lasting impact of September 11. Both represented United crews during this defining period and have since risen to national leadership roles in their respective unions.
Speakers (listed alphabetically):
Featured Panel | The Legacy That Moves Us: Transportation Security Across Modes, Across Agencies, & Across the AisleTransportation security depends on collaboration that transcends agencies, modes, and political perspectives. Leaders from aviation, transit, maritime, and national security come together to examine how transportation security has evolved in the 25 years since September 11 and how Secretary Mineta’s example of collaborative leadership can inform the challenges ahead.
Speakers (listed alphabetically):
Moderator:
Reception AgendaWelcome Remarks
The Mineta Legacy InitiativeThe Mineta Legacy Initiative carries Secretary Mineta’s values and example forward through a new generation of leaders. Attendees are invited to become part of that enduring legacy and help extend its impact for generations to come.
Speakers (listed alphabetically):
Special ReflectionsSecretary Mineta’s sons, Mark Brantner and Captain Stuart Mineta, share personal memories and reflections on their father, while longtime transportation leader David Matsuda reflects on Secretary Mineta’s enduring impact on our nation and those who had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Speakers (listed in speaking order):
Thank You To Our Sponsors
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September 2, 2026  |
California Rail Safety Month Kick-Off - San Jose Diridon Station, 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110 MTI joined transportation agencies and community partners at San Jose Diridon Station to kick off California Rail Safety Month. The event brought together rail safety advocates, transportation organizations, and community members for a morning of rail safety education and engagement. Attendees learned important rail safety tips, connected with local partners, and explored ways we can all help keep our communities safe around trains and railroad tracks. This event was a partnership between California Operation Lifesaver, Union Pacific Railroad, Amtrak, the Mineta Transportation Institute, the City of San José, Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), Caltrain, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). |
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July 21, 2026  |
Trailblazer Tuesday with Nadine S. Lee The Mineta Transportation Institute hosted a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women, representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector, shared their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Audience gained valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. J Featured Guest: Nadine S. Lee, Senior Strategic Advisor, Transportation Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania (TRIP) Moderator: Dr. Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, MTI This webinar was co-sponsored by COMTO. View Recording.View PDH Credit.About the Featured GuestNadine Lee Senior Strategic Advisor for the Transportation Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania (TRIP). Previously, she served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), leading the 13-city transit system from 2021 to 2026. She also served as Chief of Staff for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Deputy Chief Innovation Officer in Metro's Office of Extraordinary Innovation, and led the Northwest Rail and Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility projects in the FasTracks Program. A registered Professional Engineer in Colorado and Kansas, Nadine was appointed to the Leadership APTA Committee in 2019 and is a past Director on the WTS International Board. She was awarded 2019 WTS International Woman of the Year. Presenters: Nadine S. Lee & Karen Philbrick, PhD |
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June 6, 2026  |
34th Annual Awards Banquet and Convocation Celebration - San José, CA The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) hosted its 34th Annual Banquet and Convocation Celebration at San José State University on June 6, 2026. This prestigious event directly supported MTI's mission to develop the next wave of skilled transportation professionals. These future leaders were vital to guaranteeing the effective transport of people and goods and to steering a dynamic, innovative transportation sector toward a more globally interconnected future. Guests celebrated with our distinguished Board of Trustees as we honored the 2026 Master of Science in Transportation Management (MSTM) graduates, recognized the Alumni of the Year, and acknowledged the winners of the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, among other highlights. This exciting MSTM celebration included individualized recognition of each graduate and award presentations. |
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May 20, 2026  |
2026 MSTM Capstone Showcase - Online Students from the Master of Science in Transportation Management program at San José State University presented their final capstone research projects. This interactive event provided opportunities to meet with the students and learn about their research on critical transportation management challenges. |
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May 19, 2026  |
Trailblazer Tuesday with April Rai The Mineta Transportation Institute hosted a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women, representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector, shared their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Audience gained valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. J Featured Guest: April Rai, MTI Trustee; President & CEO, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Moderator: Dr. Hilary Nixon, Deputy Executive Director, MTI This webinar was co-sponsored by COMTO. View Recording.View PDH Credit.About the Featured GuestAs President & CEO, April works to build upon COMTO’s 50-year history of ensuring transportation meets the needs of all users across 40 chapters in North America. With over 15 years of experience managing private, public sector and non-profit organizations, April’s career focus has centered on strategic partnership development, coalition building, people and project management. Under the direction of the COMTO Board of Directors Chair, Tanya Adams, April provides strategic leadership, guidance and ensures COMTO operates effectively to further the mission. Previously, April served as Deputy Executive Director for the Women’s Transportation Seminar International (WTS), partnering with the Executive Director to achieve the WTS mission and vision. In that role, April focused on the management of operations including serving as Chief of Staff, lead on project planning and execution ensuring deliverability on time and within budget. April managed several board-level committees, strategic initiatives and worked to implement growth and retention strategies for membership, chapters, public and private partners as well as build relationships with advocacy organizations, local, state and federal stakeholders. Prior to joining WTS, April served as the CEO for the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), a coalition of over 100 organizations and agencies dedicated to youth health and safety education. In this role, April engaged with transportation stakeholders on road safety programs, injury prevention education and workforce development initiatives. April previously served as Manager & Affairs Analyst in the Office of the Dean at the University of Maryland, School of Nursing, directing government affairs and communications. In this role, April was responsible for managing the State of Maryland, Action Coalition, an initiative of AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. April resides in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband, and is based out of COMTO headquarters in Arlington, VA. Presenters: April Rai & Hilary Nixon, PhD |
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April 22, 2026  |
A Conversation with the Authors: New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies - Online This event featured a candid and insightful conversation with the authors of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank, Emma Huang, and Marla Westervelt Berg. Drawing on their experiences inside the Office of Extraordinary Innovation at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the speakers shared practical lessons from working within one of the nation’s largest public agencies. Attendees gained behind-the-scenes perspectives on the strategies, challenges, and successes that shaped their work at the $9.5 billion agency. The discussion highlighted what it takes to drive meaningful change in complex bureaucracies—and how others can apply these insights to make a difference. Guest Speakers:
Moderator: Dr. Hilary Nixon, Deputy Executive Director, MTI View PDH Certificate.View Recording.View Slide Deck.About the Guest SpeakersJoshua Schank is a partner with InfraStrategies, a consulting firm that works with transportation organizations across the world on strategy, innovation, and policy. He is also the Executive Director of ACES, a Senior Fellow with the UCLA Institute for Transportation Studies, and a Research Associate at the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University. Joshua joined the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) in 2015 as the first-ever Chief Innovation Officer, where he was responsible for fostering innovations that improve mobility, equity, and environmental outcomes across LA County. Before that, he served as the former President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation, a national transportation think-tank based in Washington, DC. He is the co-author of All Roads Lead to Congress: The $300 Billion Fight Over Highway Funding. Emma Huang is a Principal Consultant with InfraStrategies, where she helps transit agencies navigate critical challenges, from foundational strategy to implementing innovative service models and policies. She has led the development of major strategic plans including Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) 10-year strategic plan, Point B, San Mateo County Transit District’s plan, Moving San Mateo County, and CapMetro’s Strategic Plan. Prior to joining InfraStrategies, as a Manager with Los Angeles Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, Emma spent over six years focused on advancing strategic initiatives for the agency, including the development and implementation of an innovative FTA Mobility-on-Demand partnership with Via, Metro's 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2028, and Metro’s Traffic Reduction Study exploring congestion pricing in Los Angeles County. Emma has a Master of Public Policy degree from UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Pitzer College in Claremont, California.
Marla Westervelt Berg is a Principal at Cityfi, where she helps governments and private-sector companies - from early-stage startups to global firms - navigate the rules, politics, and partnerships that shape innovation in civic space. Marla was a founding member and Head of Research at LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, led global policy at the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility, and built regulatory strategy and data systems from the inside at Bird. Her work bridges public systems and private ambition to turn civic friction into real-world results. She began her career at the Eno Center for Transportation. Presenters: Joshua Schank, Emma Huang, and Marla Westervelt Berg |
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April 17, 2026  |
Autonomous Vehicles & the City: Policy, Deployment and Ecosystem Leadership - The Commonwealth Club of California Taube Family Auditorium As autonomous vehicle technology reached maturation, the most urgent challenges were no longer just technical—they were civic and systemic. The 2026 Autonomous Vehicles and the City Symposium marked its 10th anniversary and went “Beyond the Tech” to focus on building a robust automation ecosystem that worked for people and cities alike. From AI perception and roadway safety to manufacturing friction, regulatory clarity, curb and edge management, and seamless integration with public transit, that year’s convening examined how automation could reduce collisions, advance Vision Zero goals, and expand mobility choice. Featuring leading policymakers, regulators, OEMs, researchers, and innovators—and a joint USF–UC Berkeley PATH Demo Day—this two-day event tackled what it truly took to move automation from breakthrough technology to a sustainable urban system. *MTI was a proud co-sponsor of this event. |
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April 15, 2026  |
Transportation Industry & Workforce Development Symposium - Thurman J. White Forum Building,1704 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73072 The Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) hosted the Transportation Industry & Workforce Development Symposium, bringing together students and industry professionals for a day of networking, learning, and connection. The hybrid event provided opportunities for attendees to engage both in person and virtually. State and federal transportation agencies, private companies, and industry organizations participated by hosting information booths and leading discussions on transportation career opportunities. Students had the chance to connect directly with potential employers and learn more about pathways into the industry. The symposium was co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, National Center for Infrastructure Transformation, Mid-America Transportation Center, The Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium, Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability, Mineta Transportation Institute, Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center, and the Council of University Transportation Centers. |
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April 14, 2026  |
Trailblazer Tuesday with Michelle Bouchard The Mineta Transportation Institute hosted a series of virtual fireside chats featuring influential women leaders in transportation. These successful women, representing academia, public and private industries, and the nonprofit sector, shared their compelling personal narratives and leadership journeys. Audience gained valuable insights into their strategies for balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence, overcoming stereotypes, and leading with intention. J Featured Guest: Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director, Caltrain Moderator: Dr. Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, MTI View Recording.View PDH Credit.About the Featured GuestMichelle Bouchard has served as Executive Director of Caltrain since April 2021. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in the transit industry, with a long history of progressively senior leadership roles at Caltrain. Under her direction, Caltrain successfully completed the landmark $2.44 billion Electrification Project, which marked its one-year anniversary in September 2025 and represents the most significant transformation in the railroad’s 160-year history. The project has delivered faster, quieter, and more reliable and frequent service - benefiting both riders and the communities Caltrain serves. In 2018, Ms. Bouchard was recognized by Railway Age as one of its “Women in Rail” for her leadership, industry contributions, and community service. She currently serves as Chair of the Commuter Rail Coalition, a national advocacy organization for commuter railroads. Ms. Bouchard earned a BA in Economics from Brown University and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the London School of Economics. Presenters: Michelle Bouchard & Karen Philbrick, PhD |
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April 2, 2026  |
Everyday GenAI: Your AI Writing Assistant for Transportation Professionals - Online MTI hosted the next webinar in our Everyday AI series: Your AI Writing Assistant. Participants explored how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can support real writing tasks, including brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and drafting and refining content. The session also addressed the limitations and risks of AI and discussed how to use it thoughtfully as a tool to enhance—not replace—professional expertise. Attendees learned practical strategies for prompt engineering, selecting the right tools for their needs, adhering to organizational policies, and streamlining workflows while maintaining clarity, accuracy, and their own voice. Presenters:
Moderator: Dr. Asha Weinstein Agrawal, Education Director, MTI View Recording.View Slide Deck.View PDH Certificate.About the PresentersRamses Madou is the Division Manager of Planning, Policy, and Sustainability for the Department of Transportation in the City of San José. At the City of San José, Ramses leads a team of planners, engineers, policy specialists, data and model experts to plan the Citywide transportation system. He is leading the City’s efforts to find new and innovative transit technologies, delivery methods, and business plans. Before joining the City of San José, Ramses served as the Associate Director of Parking & Transportation Services at Stanford University for 10 years. At Stanford, he played many roles over his time there, including managing program and policy development, planning efforts, retail operations, the University’s Marguerite transit system planning and operations, and regional transportation relationships. Lisa V. Rose has served as the Mineta Transportation Institute’s Communications Specialist since 2020, where she leads the development of clear, compelling, and inclusive communications across the Institute. She also collaborates with K–12 educators to design engaging, evidence-based lessons and classroom-ready resources for MTI’s workforce development programs. Lisa’s background includes more than fifteen years in communication, storytelling, and inclusive education. While earning her MA in English and Comparative Literature at San José State University, she taught undergraduate writing and helped develop and launch Reflection on College Writing, the university’s online prerequisite course for incoming first-year students. Presenters: Ramses Madou & Lisa Rose |
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March 24, 2026  |
Championing Women in Transportation: A Panel Discussion on Leadership and Mentorship in Transportation for Women's History Month - Online The California Transit Association, in partnership with the Mineta Transportation Institute, hosted a discussion celebrating Women’s History Month. Attendees heard from a panel of industry leaders who explored the importance of mentorship and champions for women in transit and transportation. The conversation highlighted how, as female leaders strive to reach the C-suite, the industry can work collectively to empower and inspire women colleagues. Panelists shared their personal career trajectories, along with best practices and advice for advancing women’s leadership in the field. Speakers:
Moderator:
*MTI was a proud co-sponsor of this event. View Recording. |
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March 20, 2026  |
SAVI Talk: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of City Governance - Martin Luther King Jr. Library, Room 225 This hybrid event brought together leading academic researchers and municipal practitioners to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of city governance. By connecting expertise from higher education with leadership from one of the nation’s most innovative city governments, the session highlighted how AI can be responsibly applied to enhance decision-making, improve mobility systems, and strengthen public services. Featured speakers Dr. Junghwan Kim (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Yongsung Lee (UC Davis) shared research-driven insights on AI’s role in public-sector governance and urban mobility. A panel discussion with Keith Hertzberg of the City of San José provided practical perspectives on implementing AI within municipal operations, including organizational readiness, policy considerations, and community trust. The discussion underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration and thoughtful technology adoption in building more adaptive and effective cities. |
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March 3, 2026  |
Beyond the Bullet Train: Lessons from Japan’s Shinkansen Japan’s Shinkansen is often described in superlatives: fast, precise, iconic. But what actually makes it work? This webinar peeled back the myth to explore the real decisions, principles, and design thinking behind Japan’s high-speed rail success—and what they mean for North American practitioners. Drawing on first-hand experience and professional practice in Japan, speakers examined the Shinkansen as an integrated system operating across multiple scales: train design and operations, station planning and passenger flow, and city-building and tourism strategy. Rather than a technical deep dive, the conversation served as a guided “show-and-tell” of observations, questions, and practical takeaways that oriented attendees to how and why the system functions so reliably. Attendees learned what makes the Japanese system so successful and how those lessons can be applied in other contexts. Speakers:
Moderator: Eric Eidlin, Station Planning Manager, City of San José Department of Transportation; MSTM Instructor This webinar was co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, APTA High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, High Speed Rail Alliance, and US High Speed Rail Association.
View Recording.View Slide Deck.View PDH Certificate.Presenters: Masahiro Nakayama, Bryan Wong, and Eric Eidlin |
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February 18, 2026  |
GIS Careers with GIS Professionals A Conversation on GIS Careers brought together professionals from transportation, entertainment, and higher education to explore how GIS skills translate into real-world careers. The webinar panel examined in-demand technical and analytical skills, highlighted emerging career pathways, and shared practical advice on crafting resumes that stand out in the GIS field. Co-sponsored by BayGeo and the Mineta Transportation Institute, the event supported students in navigating the evolving geospatial workforce and preparing for next steps after graduation. Featured Speakers:
View PDH Credit.Presenters: Marshall Wilson Ballard, Dhawal Kataria, and Pariya Pourmohammadi, PhD |
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February 11, 2026  |
Intelligent Speed Assistance: Can Technology Help California Stop Speeding? - Online This MTI Research Snaps webinar was based on the MTI-led California State University Transportation Consortium report, "A Holistic Inquiry of Intelligent Speed-Assist Technology: Safety Impacts, Technology Implementation, and Challenges." Speeding is a leading contributor to U.S. roadway fatalities, and California ranked among the states with the most speed-related crashes. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology offered a solution to address this issue by notifying drivers of speed limits and, in some cases, intervening and lowering the speed to the posted limit. The discussion focused on the potential advantages and challenges of adopting this technology. Research suggested that while ISA systems were well-positioned to reduce speeding and enhance road safety, their success hinged on thoughtful design, user trust, and supportive policy. Attendees joined us for an investigation into ISA systems with a focus on how their risks and benefits might have affected California drivers. Presenters:
Moderator: Hilary Nixon, PhD, Deputy Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) View Recording.View Slide Deck.View PDH Certificate.About the PresentersDr. Sahar Ghanipoor Machiani is an MTI Researcher, Associate Professor in San Diego State University’s (SDSU) Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, and the Co-Director of the SDSU Smart Transportation Analytics Research (STAR) Lab. Before joining SDSU, she worked as a Research Associate at the Center for Infrastructure-Based Safety Systems, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). She has expertise in traffic safety, driver behavior modeling, automated vehicles, and infrastructure-based safety systems. Nusheen Baradaran is an MTI Graduate Student Research Assistant and Master of Science candidate in Civil Engineering at SDSU, specializing in transportation systems and intelligent vehicle technologies. Her research explores the implementation and behavioral impacts of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), integrating empirical data analysis with human factors insights. Alongside her academic work, she is a full-time civil engineer in the land development sector, focusing on coastal single-family residential projects. Her combined professional and academic experience informs a practical, interdisciplinary approach to transportation safety and emerging vehicle technologies. |
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January 27, 2026  |
Mega Event Safety: Student Voices on Human Trafficking - San José State University, Boccardo Business Center (BBC) 032 Major global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games were approaching, bringing heightened risks related to public safety, human rights, and ethical business practices, including in the Bay Area and within the San José State University community. SJSU student researchers, supported by award-winning faculty, led this event focused on combating human trafficking at major events through transportation systems and supply chains. Students and Associate Professor Kezban Yagci, PhD, shared their original research, lived experiences, and practical insights on how SJSU students can help keep communities safe during major events and in everyday life. |
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January 11, 2026 to January 15, 2026  |
TRB Presentations 2026 MTI Research Associates and affiliated researchers presented at the 105th annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board. This event attracted thousands of transportation professionals from around the world. The meeting program covered all transportation modes, with sessions and workshops addressing topics of interest to policymakers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry, and academic institutions.
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