April 2019
UFTI Receives Funding from FDOT to Incorporate Pedestrians into Signal Control Optimization Algorithms for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)
Previous work by the University of Florida and FDOT, with funding by NSF (Award # 1446813), focused on the development of algorithms, software, and hardware solutions to enhance traffic signal control operations simultaneously with CAV trajectories. These tests focused on the integration of this technology considering CAVs and conventional vehicles. The algorithm is capable of optimizing simultaneously vehicle trajectories of CAVs together with the signal control patterns at the intersection. In this project, researchers will incorporate pedestrian presence and movements and the fusion of numerous sensors to refine the algorithm performance and further prepare it for field implementation. The research team will first test the algorithm at FDOT’s TERL laboratory facilities, which include a signalized intersection in a closed course environment. Once ready for field testing, the algorithm will be implemented at one or more intersections of the I-STREET testbed in Gainesville.
UFTI Staff Presents to K-12 Students as Part of UF WiSE Spring Break Camp
Ondine Wells, UFTI K-12 coordinator, presents to a classroom with middle school girls.
On April 2, 2019, 14 middle school students participating in the UF Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Spring Break Camp learned about transportation engineering and designed a “Complete Street” using StreetMix.net, an online design tool. The session and activities were led by the STRIDE Center’s Ondine Wells, K-12/Technology Transfer coordinator. Students also learned about research and technology from the I-STREET initiative currently being implemented in Gainesville, FL. The last portion of the workshop focused on traffic signal technology where students tried their hand at signal timing using Gridlock Buster, an online game developed by the University of Minnesota. This was followed by a visit to the UFTI’s Traffic Signal Lab where camp participants met with Ph.D. student, Aschkan Omidvar. Omdivar explained to the students how traffic signals are controlled and why it’s impossible for all lights at an intersection to be green at the same time. The WiSE Spring Break Camp is supported by the UF Biodiversity Institute, iDigBio and the National MagLab.
Congratulations to our Students on Continuous Excellence
Attributes of a Gator Engineer flyer
Doctoral student Pedro Maldonado was selected to receive the Service to the Global Community Award as part of the H.W. College of Engineering Attribute of a Gator Engineer recognition award for the 2019-2020 academic year. Students are selected based on one of the five Gator Engineering Attributes such as Creativity, Leadership, Integrity, Professional Excellence, and Service to the Global Community. 
Lifesavers Conference on Highway Safety Priorities logo
Doctoral student Deja Jackson was named a 2019 Traffic Safety Scholar and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to attend the 37th annual Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities, March 31 to April 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jackson is one of 50 U.S. and international students selected through a competitive application process. The Lifesavers Conference showcases the latest research, evidence-based strategies, proven countermeasures, and promising new approaches for addressing the nation’s most pressing traffic safety problems.  
UFTI Attends Gator Day at the Capitol
On April 10, 2019, the UFTI was invited to the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee to showcase ongoing research to legislators, decision makers and the general public. Information and videos on projects related to I-STREET, and the STRIDE Center, were available at the booth located on the second floor of the rotunda, nestled between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Several UFTI staff were present which included Dr. Pruthvi Manjunatha, Ines Aviles-Spadoni, Amy Fu and Elaine Khoo. UF Gator Day is hosted by the UF Alumni Association and UF leadership.
Elaine Khoo, Ines Aviles-Spadoni and Pruthvi Manjunatha pictured with UF President W. Kent Fuchs in front of the UFTI booth in the Florida State Capitol.
UFTI Invites Applications for McTrans Director
The Director of McTrans oversees the maintaining, enhancing, and marketing of the Highway Capacity Software. Additionally, the director will be actively involved with the I-STREET initiative, working with UFTI faculty and staff to develop educational software, and participate in the activities of professional developments such as TRB, ASCE, ASEE, and IEEEs.

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