Our students are an important part of the UF Transportation Institute and we’re excited to be able to feature some of them in our newsletter. This month we’re featuring Ph.D. student, Ala Alobeidyeen.
Ala received her master’s degree in transportation engineering from the University of Jordan. She then went to study at the Illinois Institute of Technology, finally joining the Gator Nation at the University of Florida.
Ala’s dissertation topic is “Flow Propagation Models in Transportation Networks.” She has worked on research partially supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) project P0076811 “Collaborative Research: Coordinated Real-Time Traffic Management Based on Dynamic Information Propagation and Aggregation under Connected Vehicle Systems” under Dr. Lili Du. For this research, Ala studied information interference via-vehicle-to-vehicle communication at traffic intersections. Additionally, she developed a mathematical simulation model to track information propagation dynamics over a transportation network via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
As Ala continues her journey through studies and research, she also makes time to volunteer in the community.
In her time at UF, Ala has involved herself in the K-12 outreach program thought the Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development & Education Center (STRIDE). This program focuses on engaging the schools and students in the Gainesville area with STEM activities, particularly related to transportation engineering.
Additionally, Ala is the vice president of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Student Chapter at UF. This student group strives to establish a college-based community focusing on advancing women in transportation through professional workshops, networking, and community service.
At the International Student Achievement Award Ceremony, Ala is being recognized for her community involvement as a recipient of the UF International Center Diane Fisher Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to international students who show exemplary service to UF and the Gainesville community. Ala will also be recognized for her academic record as a recipient of the UF International Center Student Achievement Certificate of Excellence.