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Student Spotlight: Javier Pena-Bastidas
Javier Pena-Bastidas, a PhD student in Civil Engineering at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, is making remarkable contributions to the field of transportation and regional planning through his work with the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2). As a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at UA, Javier combines his academic expertise with hands-on research to advance innovative mobility solutions.
Before joining the University of Alabama, Javier served as a research coordinator for a project developed by the University of Los Andes in Colombia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering, bringing a diverse academic foundation to his current work.
At CR2C2, Javier has been deeply involved in multiple research initiatives, sharing insights and findings at conferences and through publications. Most recently, he participated in the ASCE Transportation & Development Institute Conference in Glendale, Arizona, where he:
Delivered a podium presentation on “Expanding the Boundaries of Transit-Oriented Development with New Mobility Hubs”
Presented a poster on “Spatial Disparities in Safety Benefits from Automated Vehicle Adoption in Alabama and Kentucky”
Moderated two sessions: “Mobility Solutions in Diverse Community Contexts: Suburban and Rural Perspectives” and “Emerging On-Demand Transit (ODT) Strategies and Technologies”
Javier’s dedication to advancing transportation research is further reflected in his latest publication, “Urban and Regional Air Mobility (URAM) and Relocation Decisions in the United States: Insights from a Machine Learning-Supported Path Analysis”, published in Transport Policy. This study, conducted as a co-author, explored how emerging Urban and Regional Air Mobility services could influence individuals’ decisions to relocate for work or residence, using data from a national survey.
Students like Javier aligns closely with CR2C2’s mission to strengthen the pipeline of transportation professionals equipped to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. By integrating education and workforce development into the Center’s daily activities, CR2C2 provides students like Javier the opportunities to gain the skills and experience necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of transportation.
To learn more about our Education and Workforce Development, click here: https://www.cr2c2.com/education-and-outreach
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