Last fall the Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center (MIOH UTC), a regional academic network led by UDM, was launched.  MIOH UTC is involved in programs ranging from introducing high school students to the field of transportation, to studying the effectiveness of a traffic control system. 

During the Transportation Summer Camp, July 16-20 at UDM, high school students will explore various aspects of transportation, including potential careers.

"Such careers involve more than the automotive industry," says Patricia Martinico, assistant director of the Transportation Center. "Professionals will be needed in researching alternative fuels, developing communication between vehicles and roadside systems, and planning and designing livable cities."

The Transportation Center also is involved in a research study to determine the effectiveness of the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) in reducing traffic congestion in Oakland County, Mich. As part of the research, a four-mile segment of M-59 in Pontiac will be studied—with measures of travel time, delays and queue length using different timing plans—to determine SCATS' effectiveness.

Studies show that traffic congestion in 85 of the largest U.S. metro areas results in an estimated total cost of over $60 billion (based on the measure of hours of delay and consumption of fuel.) The MIOH UTC is part of a nationwide academic network of transportation centers funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation that are studying this problem.

Engineering & Science Dean Leo Hanifin, the MIOH UTC director, stated, "During this summer, the academic, government and industry partners of MIOH UTC will identify new projects that further fulfill its mission.  Through these new projects, and the results of our initial projects, MIOH UTC will be a fully functioning university transportation center, contributing important research findings and educational programs from K12 though doctoral levels."

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