Advancing Arizona’s transportation future
The Arizona Laboratory for Applied Transportation Research (AZTrans) continues to play a central role in shaping the future of transportation systems in Arizona. As a hub for applied research, student engagement, and statewide collaboration, the lab is dedicated to improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation infrastructure across the region.
AZTrans maintains a state-of-the-art traffic signal laboratory, advanced simulation tools, and specialized equipment for field data collection. Its mission extends beyond research, prioritizing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to projects that directly inform real-world transportation solutions. In addition to its work on campus, AZTrans is part of the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (UTC) and the Arizona Transportation Institute (AZTI)—a multi-institution collaboration launched in 2024 to align university research with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) most pressing needs.
The 2025 Arizona Transportation Research Summit
In August, NAU hosted the second-annual Arizona Transportation Research Summit at the High-Country Conference Center. Organized by AZTI, the event brought together more than 100 attendees from across Arizona, including faculty from NAU, the University of Arizona, and Arizona State University, as well as state and local transportation professionals and private-sector experts. Sponsors included HDR, Lee Engineering, Dibble, Iteris, Olsson, and Global 5.
The summit opened with remarks from ADOT and AZTI leadership, as well as Dr. Charles Chadwell, dean of NAU’s Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. Sessions included AZTI updates, an overview of the research process cycle, and presentations on eight new research projects funded through AZTI’s first research cycle. These projects cover topics ranging from roadway safety and crash reduction to resilience against wildfires and innovations in pavement design. The day concluded with breakout sessions connecting ADOT subject matter experts with faculty and practitioners, sparking conversations about applying research directly to Arizona’s transportation challenges.
Research with real-world impact
Dr. Brendan Russo, associate professor in NAU’s Department of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering and associate director of AZTrans, emphasized the importance of this year’s funded projects:
“The AZTI projects cover a broad range of transportation issues, from improving traffic safety through development of Arizona-specific crash modification factors, to assessing the consumption costs of motor vehicles on Arizona roads and bridges, to enhancing Arizona roadways’ resilience to wildfire through vegetation recovery, to expanding the capability of Arizona’s statewide travel demand model, to investigation of new pavement designs. All of these projects aim to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of Arizona’s transportation systems benefiting the state and its residents.”
Russo noted his biggest takeaway from the summit was the strength of the research community across Arizona’s public universities.
“We have talented faculty at all three universities who are extremely well-positioned to address ADOT’s most pressing research needs.”
Looking ahead, AZTI plans to continue annual research project cycles and expand its workforce development and K–12 outreach efforts, helping prepare the next generation of transportation professionals.
Opportunities for involvement
Both AZTrans and AZTI welcome broad engagement from faculty, students, and stakeholders:
- Faculty can become involved as AZTI Affiliate Faculty and collaborate on projects aligned with statewide needs.
- Students—both undergraduate and graduate—can participate in AZTI-funded research. Notably, every standard project must include at least one undergraduate research assistant, ensuring meaningful opportunities for emerging engineers.
- Community members, alumni, and industry professionals can sign up as AZTI stakeholders to stay informed and explore opportunities for partnership and support.
Information about getting involved is available at azti.arizona.edu/contact-us.
Looking forward
With strong institutional support, industry partnerships, and a commitment to student development, AZTrans and AZTI are well-positioned to address Arizona’s most urgent transportation challenges. Through collaborative events like the Transportation Research Summit, NAU is helping to ensure that research not only advances academic knowledge but also delivers practical, scalable solutions that improve mobility and quality of life for communities across the state.
- Brendan Russo