Can you share a little bit about yourself and your role at SafeTREC?
I am a postdoctoral researcher at SafeTREC starting May 1st, 2023. Before that, I was a postdoc at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), right after receiving my Ph.D. from there. My doctoral research was centered on exploring the potential impacts of connected and automated vehicle technologies on transportation networks. I also hold a master's degree in statistics and data science from Haslam College of Business at UTK and a master's degree in transportation engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic).
What sparked your interest in transportation safety research?
Transportation safety research is interesting for various reasons. Firstly, the field addresses a critical and universal concern, the safety of individuals and communities in transportation systems. This inherent importance can motivate me to improve people's lives and create safer environments. Additionally, transportation safety research offers the opportunity to delve into complex and multidisciplinary topics, such as human behavior, engineering design, policy analysis, technology development, deployment and assessment, and data analysis. The field of transportation safety research is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, data analytics, and evidence-based practices. Being at the forefront of these innovations is exciting and inspiring.
What current projects are you working on at SafeTREC?
Currently, I am involved in several safety-related projects, including evaluating the safety effects of adopting a Stop-as-Yield Law for cyclists in California, different phases of a safety performance functions implementation project, and various projects focusing on improving vulnerable road users' safety.
What issues are you particularly interested or passionate about?
I am passionate about transportation-related technologies that have the potential to make cities more livable and safer. I am also passionate about the timely data analysis and predictive modeling methods to be utilized in the field of transportation safety. I also enjoy mentoring students, teaching, and participating in conferences where I can explore new knowledge in my area.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like outdoor activities, exploring scenic nature, and traveling. I like spending my time in a gym doing my workout. I enjoy cooking, specifically trying new foods from different cultures. I spend a lot of time with my family, friends, and of course, my cat.
This Spotlight interview was conducted in collaboration with UC Berkeley SafeTREC. The opinions and perspectives expressed are those of the interviewee and not necessarily those of SafeTREC.
