With more than 370 stories published in the UTC Newsroom during the 2024 calendar year, it’s easy to say that a lot of good things happened for UTC students, faculty and staff this year. Picking out the top highlights—not so easy. Here are some of our favorites.
CUIP research seeks to predict and avert distracted driving
The federal government estimates distracted driving contributes to more than 3,000 fatal vehicle crashes annually in the United States, prompting researchers at UTC to explore new ways of predicting and preventing inattentive driving behavior. By integrating advanced sensing technologies, machine learning algorithms and virtual simulation environments, UTC researchers are working to predict driver distraction—and then use that information to deliver timely, data-driven alerts.
Inaugural ‘Chattanooga Connect’ lays foundation for future
Chattanooga was recently the host site for a global gathering of researchers, industry leaders and policymakers for a multifaceted focus on urban mobility: Chattanooga Connect 2024. The inaugural conference, held Oct. 21-23, achieved its aims and set a high bar for next year.
Registration is open for “Chattanooga Connect 2024,” an October national convening of smart tech and urban mobility leaders
The Gig City’s reputation as a national leader for next-level technological innovation and mobility solutions takes a big step forward this fall when the UTC Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) hosts Chattanooga Connect 2024 from Oct. 21-23 at the University Center.
Dr. Mina Sartipi, Brett Fuchs honored as 2024 UT System President’s Award recipients
Two members of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga family, Dr. Mina Sartipi and Associate Dean of Students Brett Fuchs, have been announced as 2024 President’s Award winners—the highest accolade an employee can receive from the UT System.
Chattanooga sets the pace for connected mobility and enhanced safety with $2M USDOT SMART grant
Pedestrian safety in Chattanooga is set to advance significantly thanks to a $2 million Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier this month, officials from the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga were notified that they are among the 34 recipients of a SMART “Planning and Prototyping Grant” from a pool of 321 applicants nationwide.
Wheels on the bus: Multidisciplinary UTC sociologist seeking a broader understanding of transportation accessibility
Without reliable transportation, some low-income people are isolated, socially excluded and forced to adapt by making a choice that further perpetuates their isolation: “I just don’t go nowhere.” Dr. Chandra Ward reports this finding in her paper, “How transportation disadvantage reinforces social exclusion,” published in the June 2023 Journal of Transport Geography.
UTC, NSF, Amazon Web Services, ITS America join in spurring smart transportation innovation
At this month’s annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), part of the National Academies of Sciences, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was a sponsor of a research data challenge drawing competitors from across the country.
Change of leadership in Office of Research and Graduate School
Dr. Joanne Romagni, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor for Research and dean of the Graduate School, has decided to leave that position and return to the faculty as a professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science. This change will be effective Jan. 1, 2024, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mann will serve as UTC Vice Chancellor for Research for a period of two years starting Jan. 1.
Sartipi honored for advanced energy leadership
Dr. Mina Sartipi was the recipient of the 2023 “Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award” presented by the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council.