Projects

This research project will study battery technologies that can significantly increase the energy density to at least 500 Wh/kg or higher and reduce charging time to fifteen minutes or lower and have a cell cost to the original equipment manufacturer of $70/kWh or lower in a large battery pack (>500 kWh).

This research will involve studying global practices of solar bike pathway technology, which refers to the integration of solar energy technologies and systems embedded into bike paths to capture and convert solar energy into electrical power, providing both a functional pathway for cyclists and a source of renewable energy

This project involves expanding prior analysis of the Georgia I-75/I-575 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes by performing an energy use and emission assessment for these Express Lanes against the GP lanes on a per VMT basis.  The tools and results from this project will support assessment and public outreach efforts related to expansion of Georgia’s Express Lanes systems.

This research will update to the spreadsheet version of the Fuel and Emissions Calculator (FEC) to Version 4.0. The update will incorporate the emission and energy use rates from the latest version of the EPA's MOVES 4.0 regulatory model for conventional and electric vehicles, utilizing the latest matrices from MOVES-Matrix 4.0 (also developed by the research team) and associated source type technology parameters.

This project will further build on previous MOVES-Matrix projects by developing MOVES-Matrix 4.0. A case study of the emission and energy use rate outputs will verify that the matrix produces the same results as using MOVES directly.

In this project, the researchers will conduct data collection and analysis to supplement the California AT Benefit-Cost Tool (or "the BC Tool").

This research consists of two primary objectives: identifying opportunities, information gaps, existing resources and research needs by engaging non-government organizations, the California Department of Transportation, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists who expressed interest in working on this project; and with input from these biologists, conduct a preliminary investigation for at least 10 sites, each with concrete median barriers, cable guards or thrie-beam barriers, and vegetated/developed medians, for comparison of rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions with large and all wildlife, as indicators of wildlife connectivity.

This research will create a comprehensive and streamlined framework that empowers Caltrans to efficiently identify and assess technically sound, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible materials.

This project will enhance and expand the Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) for planners to use to plan, develop, apply for, and implement projects and programs that support active transportation. The project will focus on expanding the ATRC's reach, addressing structural transportation inequities, and strengthening the ATRC's ties to transport research.

This three-chapter dissertation will study the reasons behind the decisions of local jurisdictions, including cities and counties, about VMT reduction levels in their environmental reviews and how local planners view equity in the process of implementing VMT-reducing strategies in the CEQA process.