• October 15, 2023

    Recap: 10th Annual 2023 Region 10 Transportation Conference

    On October 13, 2023, Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) Region 10 University Transportation Center, the Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET) Tier 1 University Transportation Center, the UW Mobility Innovation Center (MIC), and the UW College of Built Environments Technology Community of Practice held the 10th Annual 2023 Region 10 Transportation Conference. This is the premier forum for transportation research in the Pacific Northwest where we hear from leaders in transportation, showcase innovation in technology and research, provide a means for collaboration, and advance the transportation workforce.

    The theme of this year’s conference was Bridging People and Technology for Improved Mobility and Safety. The conference started with a keynote address from Laura Ruderman, Chief Executive Officer of Technology Alliance, highlighting the intersection of education, research, and entrepreneurism. In the afternoon, there was also a plenary talk from Professor Fred Mannering, Executive Director at the Center for Urban Transportation Research, Program Director of Driver Behavior, Human Factors and Safety Analytics, and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. Professor Mannering spoke about data analytics and the promise of artificial intelligence to improve highway safety.

    A series of technical breakout sessions followed with topics such as How Infrastructure Managers need to think about Cybersecurity organized by the UW College of Built Environments, Advancing Complete Streets organized by ITE Washington, and Operationalizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Transportation organized by WTS Puget Sound.

    We also held a Poster Session where PacTrans researchers had the opportunity to showcase their sponsored projects to the general conference audience.

    Toward the end of the event, PacTrans also presented our annual awards:

    • Mark Hallenbeck, Washington State Transportation Center, won the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished career in transportation in the Pacific Northwest with substantial involvement in the UTC Program.
    • Haizhang Wang, Ph.D., Oregon State University, won the 2023 Outstanding Research Award for outstanding research with significant outcomes, incorporating meaningful student contributions, and robust community service/leadership involvement.
    • Anne Vernez Moudon, Ph.D., University of Washington, won the 2023 Outstanding Educator Award in recognition of sustained outstanding teaching including mentoring, advising, and innovative teaching techniques. 
    • Billy Connor, P.E., University of Alaska Fairbanks, won the 2023 PacTrans Excellence in Technology Transfer Award for effective partnerships and collaboration with outside industries, innovative marketing of newly developed technologies, and successful implementation of search results.
    • Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities won the 2023 PacTrans Partner of the Year Award for outstanding collaboration in research, sponsorships, mentor/internship opportunities, event participation/facilitation, or assistance with technology transfer initiatives.

     

    The 10th Annual 2023 Region 10 Transportation Conference was a resounding success, bringing together leaders and researchers, to explore the intersection of people and technology in advancing mobility and safety. With insightful keynote addresses and engaging breakout sessions, the conference served as a platform for collaboration and innovation in the field of transportation. We look forward to continued progress in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific Northwest transportation industry.