Javier Peña-Bastidas is a doctoral researcher at The University of Alabama whose work lies at the intersection of transportation systems and urban planning, with a focus on transportation as a social determinant of health. His current research explores how emerging mobility solutions can improve access to preventive care in rural communities in the United States.

Javier applies advanced quantitative methods, including agent-based simulation, spatial analysis, and discrete choice modeling, to evaluate transportation alternatives and their impacts population well-being. His work has been published in leading journals such as Transport Policy, Cities, and the Journal of Transport and Land Use.

Dr. Praveena Penmetsa is an Research Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering department, she was an Associate Research Engineer at the Alabama Transportation Institute. She has co-authored over 50 publications in journals, conferences, and project reports on a range of transportation topics. She has secured external funding from several state and national level agencies to conduct research on traffic safety. She serves as a young member of the Transportation Research Board’s Occupant Protection Committee. She also serves as a reviewer for several transportation journals.