News Archives - Page 3 of 11 - The Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Irvine

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine is proud to spotlight Dr. Federico Vaca’s new youth-centered program, Youth Thriving in Life Transitions with Transportation (THRIVE). THRIVE focuses on how transportation impacts the immediate and later health, education, and employment of high school youth, particularly as it relates to safety and independence in driving licensure. THRIVE works to expose youth to a breadth of transportation benefits as well as the tightly coupled responsibilities and need for understanding safety that comes along with young driver licensure. This is of key note given that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for youth ages 15 – 24—all too often a result of alcohol and drug impaired driving, distracted driving, riding with an impaired driver, and even drowsy driving. THRIVE takes a proactive approach to building safer, more equitable communities by exposing young drivers “to-be” and novice young drivers to the impact transportation can have on health, education, employment and access to opportunity.

“Safer young drivers, safer communities altogether. Distraction, impairment, and speed, the big three, are all preventable.”

Dr.Vaca’s work with THRIVE is informed by a career in emergency medicine where he first recognized the great need for youth-focused crash-injury prevention program work and research.

“It was the clinical experiences that really shaped the work I wanted to do—getting beyond the emergency room doors to prevent injuries in the first place.”

As a researcher with the Institute of Transportation Studies and the School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Vaca’s work highlights how transportation can improve and preserve a community’s health if planning is human-centric.

“Without humans and their well-being, you won’t have any transit of any sorts… It’s the people driving this whole process. It’s about understanding how transportation affects real lives—from accessing a job to managing asthma.”

THRIVE aims to provide valuable exposure and education in transportation to youth—some of the most vulnerable road users—guiding them to be intentionally mindful of how transportation, individual, and community health are closely woven together.

You can read more about Dr. Vaca’s research as the Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine at UC Irvine here. Additionally, you can listen to how Dr. Vaca’s research explains why teens are driving as much here.

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine would like to congratulate TRIP alumni, Casey Chung, for her published research on community spaces. As a UCLA Lewis Center 2025 fellow, Casey Chung evaluated equity and freeway redress across reconnecting communities projects in Pasadena and San Diego. Her capstone report highlights the importance of restorative justice in transportation planning and the need to ensure grant-funded efforts produce equitable outcomes.

Casey’s research stems from her earlier work as an undergraduate researcher at UC Irvine and the Institute of Transportation Studies where she analyzed bikeway infrastructure and the impact of COVID-19 on housing affordability. Her continual research efforts contribute to a UC-wide study on restorative justice that will inform policy interventions ensuring mobility justice and transportation equity.

You can read more about the work Casey is doing to advance the future of transportation here.

Author Erin Boshers is a recent graduate of Urban Studies and Literary Journalism at UC Irvine. She has conducted transportation and housing research through roles at Caltrans, the Kennedy Commission, Jamboree Housing, and the Institute of Transportation Studies.

Each summer, the ITS-Irvine Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) and the Pre-college Research Immersion Program pairs undergraduate and high school student researchers with faculty to contribute meaningfully to ongoing transportation research projects. To learn more about these programs, contact ITS-Irvine Assistant Director for Programs and Engagement Dr. Victoria Deguzman at vvdeguzm@uci.edu.

ITS Researchers Dr. Michael Hyland and Dr. Michael McNally were recently featured in the Orange County Register for their expert opinion on the Irvine Connect Shuttle System. The Irvine Connect Shuttle was launched as a city-run pilot in 2023, replacing Irvine’s iShuttle services. In July of this year, Irvine Connect added an additional bus and five new stops. Now the city is considering whether or not to expand the shuttle system further.

Dr. Hyland and Dr. McNally advise city planners to first weigh their end goal and whether it aligns with the needs of Irvine residents.

“It seems to me that the city wants to have transit to have transit, maybe some environmental benefits. My perspective is that transit in a place like Irvine is not the best solution for improving sustainability,” he said. “But if the goal is to connect young people, elderly people, people who can’t operate a vehicle to their key destinations, then there really are no better alternatives … which then becomes how much does the city want to spend on serving those trips?” – Dr.Hyland

McNally suggests the city collaborate with pre-existing bus and transit systems operating under OCTA in addition to expanding connections to Metrolink and Amtrak so residents have access to everyday destinations.

“Another option they may not have considered is working on a deal with OCTA where they could subsidize OCTA service in the city, or, for example, subsidize the cost of a bus pass to Irvine residents. People commute in and out of Irvine all the time. If (Irvine Connect) serves only in the city, it probably can’t do that.” – Dr. McNally
You can read further about Irvine’s Connect Shuttle here: https://lnkd.in/g9bedraH

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine is proud to spotlight former student researcher, Dylan Ando for his contributions to the Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) and his dedication to advancing the transportation systems of tomorrow.

Dylan began his journey at UC Irvine where he served as President of the Urban Studies Student Association. While helping other students explore the field of urban planning and policy, Dylan earned his B.A. in Urban Studies with a GIS specialization and a minor in Statistics. As an undergraduate, Dylan held internships at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Jamboree Housing Corporation, and the Institute of Transportation Studies TRIP Program where his passion for transit blossomed.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a planner—let alone a transportation planner—before joining TRIP. Being able to talk about my project with professors after just one summer was a turning point for me.”

During his summer spent with the TRIP program, Dylan researched transportation network companies and equity in public transportation alongside Professor R. (Jay) Jayakrishnan and graduate student Negin Shariat. At the conclusion of the TRIP program, Dylan continued his research, presenting his findings to the Transportation Research Board and the SCAG Student Showcase where he was awarded the 2023 Storymap Jury Award.

“Microtransit was a niche topic I hadn’t expected to be passionate about, but it aligned with everything I cared about: equity, access, and impact.”

After completing the TRIP program and his degree, Dylan received the Dean’s Scholar Award, the Outstanding Urban Studies Student Award, the Outstanding Contribution to the School of Social Ecology Award, the Outstanding Contribution to the Community, and a full-ride scholarship to USC.

Today, Dylan is working towards a Masters of Urban Planning (MUP) at USC with a concentration in transportation and mobility while interning at Fehr & Peers.

“USC’s program is focused on application and skill-building, which is what I was craving after undergrad. My internships helped me learn the job without committing long-term. It’s a great way to grow quickly and get exposure to the field.”

For Dylan, leaving a lasting impact on the world of transportation began with asking questions and seeking out mentorship. Transportation can pave the way towards a more equitable and sustainable future if you’re curious enough to question the built environment around you.

“Even if you feel out of place, ask questions. Everyone starts somewhere—support and curiosity go a long way.”

The Institute of Transportation Studies would like to congratulate Dr. Michael Hyland on his recent promotion to Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, UC Irvine.

During his time at UC Irvine, Dr. Hyland has dedicated his research to developing smarter, more sustainable transportation systems with a focus on microtransit, bikesharing, ridesharing, and driverless vehicles. This summer, Dr. Hyland has worked closely with graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students modeling human unreliability in microtransit services and quantifying accessibility benefits from small-scale mobility investments for the Institute of Transportation Studies’ TRIP program. As an Associate Professor, Dr. Hyland intends to continue his research towards improving the future of transportation.

“I’m looking forward to the added job security and the opportunity to take a step back and determine where I want to focus my scholarly efforts over the next 5+ years.”

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine is proud to spotlight faculty researcher Dr. Jacqueline Huynh for her contributions to the Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) and her dedication to advancing the future of aviation.

Dr. Huynh began her academic career studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in addition to Mechanical Engineering at UC Irvine. As an undergraduate, Dr. Huynh did not originally intend to further her studies beyond a Bachelor’s degree. After immersing herself in various design projects, however, her interest in research ignited. Following her graduation in 2014, Dr. Huynh went on to earn her Masters (2017) and PhD (2020) at MIT in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Dr. Huynh returned to UC Irvine to expand sustainable aviation as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

“I really wanted to come back to UC Irvine… because it gave me so much and I really wanted to give back.”

Following her return to UC Irvine, Dr. Huynh has focused her research on designing the aircraft systems of tomorrow, reducing aviation’s environmental impacts in the process. By furthering technologies such as hydrogen and electrified propulsion, Dr. Huynh’s work mitigates aircraft noise and emissions negatively impacting overtly exposed communities.

“We’ve proven… there are many opportunities for us to make these sectors more sustainable. It’s up to us—the Institute—to figure out what those solutions are.”

When Dr. Huynh isn’t figuring out solutions, she’s mentoring the next generation of transportation leaders. As an ITS associate, and as a faculty advisor in the Pre-college Research Immersion and Transportation Research Immersion Programs (PRIME and TRIP), Dr. Huynh leads a team of high school and undergraduate students on community-focused research projects. This summer, Dr. Huynh and her team are developing sustainable flight operations for advanced air mobility with communities at the center. While the work Dr. Huynh and her team are conducting is complex, students of all levels have an opportunity to contribute through the TRIP and PRIME programs.

“You don’t need to be an expert to start doing real research. If you don’t know something, you can learn and figure it out. That’s part of what research is… Students go from having just taken a coding class… to simulating aircraft flying over cities and modeling flight paths.”

Dr. Huynh strongly encourages students with a future in transportation to actively question the world around them, considering the different shapes of a more sustainable future.

“My hope is a transportation system that supports global growth while minimizing negative impacts to human health.”

You can read more about Dr. Huynh’s research here.

Author Erin Boshers is a recent graduate of Urban Studies and Literary Journalism at UC Irvine, where she explored the intersection of infrastructure, social behaviors, and public policy. She has conducted transportation and housing research through roles at Caltrans, the Kennedy Commission, Jamboree Housing, and the Institute of Transportation Studies.

Each summer, the ITS-Irvine Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) pairs undergraduate student researchers with faculty in paid positions to contribute meaningfully to ongoing transportation research projects, and the Pre-college Research Immersion Program pairs high school student researchers with faculty in unpaid positions to similarly contribute to these projects. To learn more about these programs, contact ITS-Irvine Assistant Director for Programs and Engagement Dr. Victoria Deguzman at vvdeguzm@uci.edu.

The Institute of Transportation Studies, Irvine is proud to spotlight former student researcher, Joseph Faria-Poynter for his contributions to the Transportation Research Immersion Program (TRIP) and his dedication to advancing the transportation systems of tomorrow.

Joseph joined the TRIP program in summer 2022 while an undergraduate in civil engineering. Throughout the program , Joseph felt encouraged to explore what most interested him. After engaging in collaborative brainstorming with his advisors, Joseph began researching complete streets and pedestrian refuge islands. He learned to think outside the box, drawing inspiration from cities like San Francisco, to reimagine the landscapes of Orange County.

“TRIP helped me develop critical thinking and independent research skills to try to improve transportation throughout the state. It also made me more aware of the importance of accessibility, equity, and multi-modality within transportation.”

Joseph’s research provided him with a crucial understanding of how people interact with transit infrastructure, especially in regards to their safety.

“Transportation involves people and how everything relates, it’s not just design manuals.”

Building upon this understanding of transportation systems, Joseph now works as an assistant engineer at VST Engineering, in Oakland, while also pursuing a Masters in Transportation Management at San Jose State University. He hopes to one day improve safety and mobility in his own community by becoming a rail transit agency manager, a role that will provide him with a tangible sense of impact where it matters most.

When asked what practical advice students can gather from his experiences at ITS, Joseph urged the importance of remaining open to new experiences. By allowing passion to guide your research, there’s less of a need to have everything figured out.

“Just try something meaningful to you—it’ll come together.”

Each summer, the ITS-Irvine Transportation Research Immersion Program pairs undergraduate student researchers with faculty in paid positions to contribute meaningfully to ongoing transportation research projects. To learn more about the program, contact ITS-Irvine Assistant Director for Programs and Engagement Dr. Victoria Valentine Deguzman at vvdeguzm@uci.edu.

Attorney Sarah L. Catz has been a research associate at ITS for over 20 years. In addition, she is a lecturer in the Urban Planning and Public Policy Department and is a member of the University of California Institute of Transportation Studies Board of Advisors.

WalletHub, a personal finance company, recently featured ITS Research Associate Sarah Catz’s expertise on extended car warranties.

In the article, Catz demystifies selecting the right warranty by offering practical advice to shoppers. When researching protection plans, Catz tells drivers to look for reputable companies with transparent claim processes. While extended car warranties protect your vehicle from pricey repairs, illegitimate companies can trap drivers into expensive contracts with little coverage. Catz’s advice? Don’t rush the process.

“One of the most significant mistakes individuals make when purchasing an extended car warranty is failing to obtain multiple quotes and comparing prices and coverage options.”

Choosing the right warranty can be an intimidating task. By taking your time and heeding the advice of experts like Sarah Catz, you can make the right decision.

Read Sarah’s full WalletHub article here.

Stephen Ritchie, Institute of Transportation Studies – Irvine (ITS-Irvine) Director and Chancellor’s Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine (UCI) has been elected American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Fellow. “ASCE Fellows have made celebrated contributions and developed creative solutions that change lives around the world,” ASCE notes. “It is a prestigious honor held by 3% of ASCE members.”

Ritchie is a Life Member of ASCE and an internationally recognized educator and pioneering researcher in intelligent and sustainable transportation systems planning and engineering emphasizing the development, application and field deployment of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence techniques for traffic operations and management, and support of infrastructure investment for the nation’s freight transportation system. He is completing 20-years of service as Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UCI this year, where he has led the Institute to become one of the major transportation research centers in the nation,
while also being the focal point of the highly successful transportation research and education enterprise on the UCI campus. His research, and his founding of the international journal Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, helped define and advance the scientific basis of what is now the worldwide field of Intelligent Transportation Systems. His current leadership of the Freight Mobility Living Laboratory, a near-real-time, scalable ecosystem for exploring field deployments of innovative approaches and technologies for collecting vital road and rail freight activity data, is impacting research frontiers and the state of practice in California and the nation.

Chancellor’s Professor and ITS-Irvine Director Stephen Ritchie recently announced his intention to retire on July 1st, 2025. Under Professor Ritchie’s leadership, since 2006, ITS-Irvine has grown to become one of the major transportation research centers in the world, while also being the focal point of the highly successful interdisciplinary transportation research and education enterprise on the UCI campus.

The Institute has expanded its scope and depth during his tenure as Director. In addition to its traditional focus on civil engineering, urban planning and economics, the Institute now also attracts scholars from UCI and beyond in fields such as computer science, mechanical and aerospace engineering, law, medicine, and public health. Recent faculty hires across diverse departments have been drawn to ITS-Irvine’s reputation for supporting transportation research. Since taking over as director, 163 ITS-Irvine graduate students have completed their PhD, with 43 (26%) having obtained a faculty position after leaving the Institute and many others moving on to influential careers in industry and government. More than 200 ITS-Irvine graduate students have received a Master’s degree during this same period.

Professor Ritchie was instrumental in significantly expanding collaborations with other major national institutions. Over the past 15 years, UCI was jointly awarded two prestigious and ongoing US DOT University Transportation Centers: for the Pacific Southwest Region and the Center for Automated Vehicles Research with Multimodal Assured Navigation. He also led UCI’s collaboration with other UC colleagues to significantly increase State funding for transportation research and stakeholder engagement. This began in 2010 with leadership of the successful transportation-focused Multicampus Research Program and Initiative (MRPI) that tightened the broader UC research community’s focus on pressing transportation problems related to sustainability, equitable transportation, safety, and emerging technologies. The MRPI-fostered collaborations led directly to the establishment of the ongoing UC-wide Statewide Transportation Research Program that funds approximately $750,000 in research annually at UCI and provides a stable funding source to support administrative and outreach functions.

In total, the Institute was awarded well over $60M in extramural contracts and grants during Professor Ritchie’s Directorship—an average of over $3M per year. As a result, today ITS-Irvine has expanded research opportunities for graduate, undergraduate, and high school students and strengthened the mission of both the Institute and the University to expand the bounds of knowledge while developing a workforce that can tackle society’s most pressing problems.

After a search this spring, UCI Vice Chancellor for Research has selected Professor Jean-Daniel Saphores to succeed Professor Ritchie. Professor Saphores has been a core member of ITS for more than 18 years and brings a wide range of administrative and research experience to this role. His dual background in civil and environmental engineering (B.S. and 2 M.S. degrees) and Economics (M.A. and Ph.D degrees), as well as his experience as chair of the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, provide a solid foundation of experience from which to lead ITS in its next chapter.