Panel Discussion Jan. 5: Mobility at Michigan Tech: “Where are we?”

Mobility is an increasingly used word today in conjunction with the advent of automated vehicle technologies, but what else is covered under this term that is often defined as“the ability to move or be moved freely and easily“? Even more importantly, what is happening at Michigan Tech related to Mobility? Dr. Pasi Lautala (CEE) is working as a Faculty Fellow sponsored by the Vice President for Research Office toward building a collaborative environment for Mobility-related development and research and expanding Michigan Tech’s role as a leader in the field. 

As a kickoff event for these efforts, Dr. Lautala will be hosting a virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, January 5th, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. (EST).  This virtual event will bring together leading Mobility experts from our Michigan Tech community to discuss the wide range of issues addressed under the umbrella of Mobility. The panelists will start the event by briefly introducing how they and their teams are involved in Mobility, followed by an hour-long open discussion on Mobility and related issues. We encourage all university and local community members interested in Mobility to tune in and participate in the discussion. 
The panelists will include:

  • Bill Buller,  Senior Research Scientist, Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) 
  • Timothy Havens, William and Gloria Jackson Associate Professor of Computer Systems
  • Don LaFreniere, Associate Professor of Geography and GIS
  • Jeff Naber,  Ron and Elaine Starr Professor in Energy Systems, Mechanical Engineering—Engineering Mechanics
  • Chelsea Schelly, Associate Professor of Sociology, Social Sciences
  • Roman Sidortsov,  Assistant Professor, Energy Policy, Social Sciences

This panel discussion is the first in a series of events related to Mobility planned for the spring semester, and will largely focus on the current state of Mobility at Michigan Tech.  Following events will seek to bring in external experts to share their insights and begin to develop building blocks that will lay the foundation for specific Mobility-related collaborative research proposals.

To participate in the event, use the Zoom link provided below. For more information, please contact Pasi Lautala at ptlautal@mtu.edu.