The Smart Mobility Lab at Penn State is dedicated to understanding the dynamics of transportation systems and travelers’ behavioral adaptations in this era of emerging transportation technologies. We are modelers, programmers, and technology enthusiasts. We explore how multi-resolution behavioral decisions made by travelers (such as departure time and route choice) may be influenced by active demand management (ADM) and transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) strategies, and how these influences subsequently alter transportation system dynamics. We leverage the advanced vehicle control capabilities enabled by automated vehicle (AV) technologies to optimize transportation system performance. Furthermore, we investigate how transportation electrification may reshape travel patterns and charging behaviors. Our group has conducted extensive research in these areas, supported by both government agencies (e.g., U.S. DOT, state DOTs, Department of Energy) and the private sector.

1. Automated vehicles, including the development, testing, operation, and simulation of self-driving technology and algorithms, and their impacts on the transportation system modeling and infrastructure preparation
2. Transportation electrification, including the electric vehicle charging infrastructure planning, EV mobility behavior decisions, and medium and heavy-duty vehicle electrification
3. Mobility behavior modeling and management, with a focus on studying the implications of advanced technology on mobility behaviors, and bridging Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) and Active Demand Management (ADM)

For more than 150 years, PennState has been leaders in higher education. It is ranked #80 internationally in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, and #83 by the QS World University Rankings. For a complete list of ranking please refer to https://www.psu.edu/this-is-penn-state/facts-and-rankings/. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering includes 33 faculty members, 17 staff members, over 400 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. The undergraduate and graduate programs in civil engineering are ranked #13, and #21, respectively, in the nation.

We are looking for 1 postdoc researcher, and 1 PhD student to join our lab in 2025. These are fully funded positions with a monthly stipend and tuition waiver. If you have strong background in one or multiple of the following area, please email xbhu(at)psu(dot)edu with your CV: automated vehicle, transportation system modeling, AI/machine learning, and programming. Visiting scholars, undergraduate students and volunteers are also welcome.