Embedded Files
Interested in CR2C2 activities and engagement opportunities?
NC A&T Launches Data Competition to Tackle Rural Transportation Challenges Across the Southeast
NC A&T Launches Data Competition to Tackle Rural Transportation Challenges Across the Southeast
Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities | Christina Mosley
Published January 29, 2026
GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University recently hosted its official kickoff and information session for the Data Competition for an Efficient Transportation System Design, a consortium-wide initiative launching across CR2C2 partner universities this spring.
The multi-university competition invites students to apply data, technology, and systems thinking to real transportation challenges impacting rural and regional communities. Campus-level winners will advance to a final regional competition, where they will compete against student teams from universities across the southeastern United States.
The kickoff event featured a distinguished lineup of leaders representing higher education, industry, and public transportation. Speakers included Dr. Catherine Edmonds, Interim Provost of North Carolina A&T State University; Dr. Ali Karimoddini, Director of the CR2C2 USDOT Regional Transportation Center; Rich Richardson, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Honda Aircraft Company; Sarah Searcy, Emerging Technologies and Innovation Manager at the North Carolina Department of Transportation; Hanna Cockburn, Director of Transportation for the City of Greensboro; and George Linney, Chief Transit Operations Officer for the City of Greensboro.
During the session, Dr. Edmonds encouraged students to embrace the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems and contribute solutions that improve quality of life in communities across North Carolina and beyond.
Remarks from Honda emphasized the role of industry in supporting transportation innovation and investing in the next generation of engineers, planners, and data scientists. Leaders from NCDOT and the City of Greensboro shared insights from the front lines of transportation planning, emerging mobility technologies, and transit operations—reinforcing the urgency of developing innovative, data-driven approaches to strengthen transportation systems.
For students, the competition offers more than an opportunity to win prizes. It provides hands-on experience with applied research, direct exposure to industry and public-sector professionals, and the chance to develop solutions that improve access, safety, and mobility in rural and underserved areas.
Students at North Carolina A&T who were unable to attend the kickoff event still have the opportunity to participate. Registration remains open through February 2, and interested students can sign up by completing the form online.
The competition is supported by Honda as part of CR2C2’s broader mission to connect education, research, and real-world transportation impact across the region.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse