Computer Science Colloquium: Important Problems in Computational Transportation Science

Speaker

Ouri E. Wolfson
Professor of Computer Science
University of Illinois at Chicago

Abstract

This talk will describe a project that establishes a graduate training program in the Information Technology aspects of Transportation Science. Computational transportation scientists will develop the next generation of intelligent transportation systems, aimed at addressing inefficiencies that cause excessive environmental pollution, fuel consumption, risk to public safety, and congestion. The trainees will investigate technologies in which millions of sensors, mobile devices such as PDA's, in-vehicle computers, and computers in the static infrastructure are integrated into a collaborative environment. Basic research in information management, communications, software architectures, modeling tools, human factors, traffic prediction, and transportation planning will be conducted to found the new discipline of Computational Transportation Science (CTS).

While this talk will focus primarily on the discipline itself, undergraduate and graduate students considering a PhD should note that the UIC's CTS program is currently accepting fellowship applications for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science, civil and materials engineering, urban planning and policy, information and decision sciences, or mechanical and industrial engineering. Benefits include stipends, tuition waivers, interdisciplinary curriculum and advising, international research experiences, industrial internships, and support for research and travel.