News and Events

On April 11, 2025, Dr. Ali Karimoddini joined a panel of transportation leaders for an impactful discussion on the best practices for collaboration within the USDOT University Transportation Centers (UTCs) network. The panel was moderated by Dr. Larry Rilett and including Robert C. Hampshire, Sarah Searcy, and Curtis T. Bradley which focused on how UTCs can work more effectively with state departments of transportation and other vital stakeholders to advance transportation research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer.

Representing the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2), Dr. Karimoddini offered valuable insights into the strategic engagement practices that have enabled CR2C2 to create meaningful impact across North Carolina and beyond. He emphasized the Center’s holistic approach to stakeholder collaboration, highlighting how CR2C2 builds trust and alignment with local and state partners through consistent communication, joint planning, and community-embedded research initiatives.

He also discussed CR2C2’s focus on technology transfer through community events, student involvement, and applied pilot projects; ensuring that innovations developed in the lab are accessible and impactful on the ground.

This session was made possible thanks to the Auburn University Transportation Research Institute, the TRB AJE35 RIIM Coordination and Collaboration Subcommittee, the AASHTO RAC Coordination and Collaboration Task Force, and the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC), who organized and supported the event.