Mizzou Engineering Students Shine at National Transportation Conference
January 15, 2025 – Four dedicated PhD students from Mizzou’s Department of Civil Engineering recently made their mark on the transportation research field at the esteemed Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting held in Washington, D.C. Their groundbreaking research focused on enhancing transportation safety and improving infrastructure led to significant recognition, with two of the students earning prestigious awards for their innovative collaborative work.
Celebrating Student Excellence in Research
The participants in this prominent conference included Elizabeth Arthur, Tanner Muturi, Neema Jakisa Owor, and Linlin Zhang, who collectively presented eight research papers exploring new frontiers like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and robotics. The gathering of leading minds in the transportation sector provided an essential platform for discussing state-of-the-art research and future advancements.
Pioneering Research Aimed at Safety and Efficiency
Under the supervision of Dr. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, an associate professor and renowned expert in traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems, these students are tackling diverse challenges prevalent in today’s transportation landscape. Each student’s research area varies, showcasing a range of technologies and methodologies aimed at addressing real-world problems.
Tackling Image Analysis with AI Innovations
Tanner Muturi’s contributions focused on the installation of condition-monitoring vehicles tasked with detecting pavement cracks. She explained, “Shadows obscure the visibility of cracks, complicating detection efforts. Our use of generative AI allows us to eliminate these shadows from images. This enhances our machine learning models’ ability to identify not just cracks but other potential issues as well.”
Muturi’s enthusiasm highlights the integration of technology and traditional engineering, emphasizing the excitement that comes with innovation.
Merging AI with Transportation Safety
Another forward-thinking researcher, Neema Jakisa Owor, is integrating large language models with computer vision to create smart solutions. One of her projects involves developing a chatbot specifically designed for transportation data, aimed at assisting civil engineering researchers in their inquiries.
Additionally, Owor is working to improve work zone safety with enhanced alert systems featuring Track Mounted Attenuators (TMA). Collaborating with Linlin Zhang, Owor aims to alert workers of potential vehicle collisions before they occur, significantly enhancing safety measures in these high-risk areas.
Utilizing LiDAR for Enhanced Infrastructure Safety
Zhang’s research takes a unique approach by utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology combined with big data analytics. Her focus is on predicting the reflectivity intensity of critical transportation infrastructure elements—such as stop signs and speed limit signs—at a pixel level.
“When road signs lack proper reflectivity, it becomes challenging for drivers to interpret them at night, which can result in dangerous situations,” Zhang noted. “By merging LiDAR data with image data, we aim to enhance safety and efficiency on the roads.”
Recognition for Innovative Research
The synergy between Zhang and Arthur culminated in their co-authored paper, “Automated FHWA Vehicle Classification System via LiDAR and Camera Data Fusion,” which not only garnered the Young Scholar Award at TRB but also highlighted a pioneering approach to vehicle classification. According to Arthur, their findings revealed improved accuracy across various vehicle categories, underscoring the potential for more effective transportation systems.
Expressing her gratitude, Arthur remarked, “This recognition truly represents the hard work and dedication of our research group, the Zou Trans Lab, under Dr. Adu-Gyamfi’s mentorship. It serves as motivation to continue advancing innovations in the transportation sector.”
Interdisciplinary Innovation Driving Success
Owor’s decision to join Mizzou was fueled by her fascination with the faculty’s interdisciplinary research efforts. “The combination of AI and transportation struck me as a compelling intersection for research,” she stated. “Though I had no prior experience in Python programming, I dedicated time to online courses to become equipped before applying. I’m incredibly satisfied with my choice.”
Now the trio actively contributes to the academic community by mentoring younger civil engineering students. Zhang expressed her passion for mentorship, stating, “I find great joy in exploring new ideas in transportation. Mentoring offers me a chance to share my experiences and insights, helping others navigate challenges while reinforcing my learning.”
Gratitude for Support and Guidance
Muturi, Zhang, and Owor all echoed sentiments of gratitude for Dr. Adu-Gyamfi’s guidance throughout their academic journeys. “His support has been instrumental for our achievements,” Owor said earnestly.
Adu-Gyamfi responded to their accolades: “While I aim to support my students, their tenacity and pioneering spirit speak volumes. Seeing their groundbreaking findings recognized by a platform as esteemed as the TRB is a point of pride.”
The Future of Transportation Research at Mizzou
The foundations laid by these four students underscore Mizzou Engineering’s commitment to innovation and research that directly impacts the safety and efficiency of transportation systems. Their work is not merely academic but serves the broader community by aiming to address pressing infrastructure challenges.
As these researchers prepare to publish their findings in esteemed journals, it’s clear that they are not just contributing to the field of civil engineering—they are paving the way for a safer, smarter future in transportation.
Conclusion
The recent successes of Mizzou’s PhD students at the TRB Annual Meeting exemplify the university’s dedication to nurturing innovative minds in civil engineering. Their cutting-edge research underscores the profound potential of technology and interdisciplinary collaboration in redefining transportation safety and infrastructure efficiency. As these students forge ahead in their academic and professional journeys, they remain committed to making meaningful contributions to the field, inspiring future generations of engineers along the way.
