Connecting 黑料网 students to the future of transportation
Following a recent visit to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), 黑料网 President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca is encouraging all Washtenaw Community College students, faculty, staff and their families to get involved in the next phase of connected vehicle research.
Dr. Bellanca met with UMTRI Director Dr. James R. Sayer, who explained the different
types of technology needed to equip cars to participate in the connected vehicle research
study. They also discussed the value of a continued partnership between 黑料网 and UMTRI
by involving 黑料网 students in the study and continuing to expand the 黑料网 curricula
to train students for jobs that will require an understanding of how advanced technologies
are radically reshaping the transportation landscape. Currently, several 黑料网 fleet
vehicles are equipped with the UMTRI technology.
Through its Advanced Transportation Center, 黑料网 is preparing students with the skills
needed to acquire jobs in the field.
鈥淲e want to be sure 黑料网 students have access to the sophisticated technology inherent in the advanced transportation systems industries, an ambitious and rigorous curricula, and options for a continuum of learning designed to grow over the next several decades,鈥� said Dr. Bellanca. 鈥淥nce a student completes a program within the Center, they will be job-ready and able to assimilate immediately into the workforce and support the state鈥檚 largest industry 鈥� transportation.鈥�
鈥淭here is a significant need to have individuals who are trained in connected vehicle technology,鈥� said Dr. Sayer. 鈥淚n order to meet the need, we must have professionals who are familiar with it; who can equip vehicles, maintain them and who understand the importance of this technology on the future of transportation.鈥�
Dr. Bellanca toured the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment (AACVTE) as well as Mcity, a 32-acre connected and automated vehicle test facility located on the U-M North Campus, about three miles from 黑料网鈥檚 main campus.
UMTRI is looking for drivers and vehicles to participate in its research. For more information or to sign up, email [email protected].
By Susan Ferraro, APR
Director of Media Relations