Laurel VandePutte '07, '08, was selected as the Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center's 2008 Outstanding Student of the Year. The Michigan Ohio University Transportation Center (MIOH-UTC) is a coalition of five regional universities addressing the transportation capabilities and competitive position of the region and the nation. The MIOH-UTC partner institutions are the University of Detroit Mercy, Bowling Green State University, Grand Valley State University, The University of Toledo, and Wayne State University.  See the MIOH-UTC site.

From left: Paul R. Brubaker, Administrator of RITA, U.S. DOT; Norman Y. Mineta, Former Secretary of Transportation; Randy Machemehl, 2009 Council of University Transportation Centers President; and Laurel VandePutte.

While pursuing a Master of Engineering degree at UDM, VandePutte worked as a research assistant on the "Evaluation of the SCATS Control System" project led by UDM Professor of Civil Engineering Utpal Dutta. She was responsible for coordinating and leading a team of 15 student traffic data collectors.

VandePutte and her team performed a comparative analysis of SCATS versus a pre-timed system to evaluate improvement in traffic and fuel economy as a result of implementing a SCATS system. Additionally, she prepared and presented project findings to professionals, including representatives of U.S. DOT.

"I can't say enough about the UDM Engineering faculty who make the MIOH-UTC program what it is. Their hard work is what makes the program a success," says VandePutte.

"Students today are the future of transportation and it's critical to educate them and to give them exposure to the field — and the UTC does just that! Working on the SCATS project was a great opportunity for me, and I'm proud that UDM is a leading member of the UTC."

MIOH-UTC selected VandePutte for this honor based on her contribution to the SCATS project, her academic performance as well as her leadership and community service. She received a certificate from the U.S. DOT at the Council of University Transportation Centers banquet in Washington, D.C. in January. The MIOH-UTC certificate was presented also in January at a gathering at her employer, Walbridge construction firm, where she serves as a project coordinator.

From left: Leo E. Hanifin, E&S dean and director of the MIOH-UTC; VandePutte; and Rick Haller, president of Walbridge.