An older driver sits behind the wheel of a driving simulator. (Image credit: Jason Rogers)

Researchers at the UF Institute for Driving, Activity, Participation, and Technology (I-DAPT) have been awarded a grant by the Osato Research Institute (ORI) in Japan to study how the effects of fermented papaya preparation (FPP®) impact the driving performance in older adults. Led by Sherrilene Classen, professor and chair of the UF Department of Occupational Therapy and director of I-DAPT, the research team includes Hongwu Wang, Jason Rogers, Beth Gibson, Sandra Winter, and Sueng-Woo Hwangbo. The researchers will use a high-fidelity driving simulator located at Oak Hammock, an active retirement community associated with the University of Florida, to conduct the study. [Read more]

Alfredo Layrisse (standing in front of the class) and Uni Chen of Kisinger Campo (behind the podium) present to graduate students in Professor Gary Consolazio's Finite Element Analysis class. (Image credit: Roger Rossitto, Kisinger Campo)

Kisinger Campo & Associates, Corp., a multidisciplinary engineering firm and longtime supporter of the University of Florida’s Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE), came to campus in October to share real-world insights with graduate students in a finite element analysis (FEA) class. Engaging with partner companies helps students connect their coursework to real-world applications and serves as a valuable talent pipeline for companies. Gary Consolazio, a civil engineering professor and FEA class lecturer, said industry presentations offer real-world insights that are difficult to communicate in class. They give students the opportunity to hear from current bridge designers to see when, how and why FEA is used in their work. [Read more]

UFTI Unveils Wall of Partnerships at Industry Meeting, Launches I-STREET Innovator Webinar Series

From left: Keith Jackson, Dewberry; Lisa Nisenson, WGI; Len Becker, HNTB; Acey Roberts, Iteris

On November 19, the UFTI hosted its Industry Partnership Program meeting at the I-STREET Living Lab, celebrating collaboration and innovation in transportation technology by unveiling the Wall of Industry Partners and launching the I-STREET Innovator Webinar Series. The meeting brought together leaders from some of the most well-known companies in the transportation industry, which included Keith Jackson, associate vice president at Dewberry; Acey Roberts, associate vice president of transportation systems management and operations at Iteris; Leonard Becker, senior vice president of the West Florida office at HNTB; and Lisa Nisenson, vice president at WGI. Together, the partners and UFTI representatives presented updates on ongoing projects and initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to advancing transportation innovation. [Read more]

Image credit: Tanner Fortier, president, ACI Student Chapter, University of Florida

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) Student Chapter at UF recently organized a hands-on certification event, allowing students to acquire an ACI Field Technician Grade 1 Certification. This five-year certification equips students with practical fieldwork knowledge, making graduates competitive for internships or jobs. “We decided to organize this event as I was supposed to get this certification at one of my internships but couldn’t due to time constraints,” said Tanner Fortier, the student chapter’s president, who is also an undergraduate student in civil engineering. “Other members wanted to get the certification as it makes us more qualified for a lot of the research testing we do in the Weil Hall Structures and Materials Lab.”[Read more]

The University of Florida offers an online master's degree program in civil engineering with a concentration in Transportation Leadership. The program offers students a curriculum that combines technical expertise with leadership skills, a program created with the working professional in mind who is looking for career advancement within the transportation field.

Core courses include Fundamentals of the Transportation Profession, Engineering Leadership, Fundamentals of Engineering Project Management, and Engineering Innovation. Students take an additional six online transportation-related courses.

If you know someone looking to upscale their career in the transportation industry, forward this newsletter to them and encourage them to apply using the step-by-step instructions provided on the program's page.

We are here to help! For questions about the program, contact:

Siva Srinivasan, Ph.D.

Professor & Associate Director

University of Florida Transportation Institute (UFTI)

siva@ce.ufl.edu

Transportation Technology Transfer (T2) Center

By making your tax-deductible contribution, you can help power and move forward the Research, Education, Technology Transfer, and K-12 efforts at the UFTI.

University of Florida Transportation Institute

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