News and Events

The Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) partnered with the Transportation Institute at North Carolina A&T State University to host this year’s Summer Transportation Institute (STI) cohort for an interactive facility tour. The group included 16 rising juniors and seniors from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia—students recognized for their academic excellence, leadership skills, and strong interest in STEM and transportation careers.

The visit offered students a rare, up-close look at cutting-edge transportation research happening on campus. In the AutoDrive Lab, Ph.D. student Michael Dejene Azage introduced the Aggies Autonomous Auto (A3) and discussed its role in advancing self-driving technology. At the UAV Lab, Mohammed Zakaria led a live drone demonstration, walking students through the research process from design to testing. In the Driving Simulator Lab, graduate students Azmol Fuad and Sita Ram Prasad Martha showcased in-the-loop simulation technology and an eye-tracking system used to study driver behavior.

The day concluded with an inspiring talk from Komal Gulati, graduate student and Chair of the CR2C2 Student Leadership Council, who shared her personal journey in the transportation field and offered advice for navigating education and career pathways.

CR2C2 is proud to support the next generation of innovators by fostering curiosity, expanding career awareness, and providing opportunities to engage directly with groundbreaking research.