Center for Environmental Research and Technology

CE-CERT Graduate Students Awarded ITS California Scholarships

Two graduate students from the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California, Riverside—Saswat Priyadarshi Nayak and Dongbo Peng—have been recognized for their innovative contributions to the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Both have received the prestigious Intelligent Transportation Society of California (ITSCA) and California Transportation Foundation (CTF) scholarships, celebrating significant achievements in their academic careers.

Innovative Research Shaping the Future of Mobility

Dongbo Peng, a third-year Ph.D. student, is leading efforts in sustainable freight dispatching methods within the ITS domain. His research focuses on developing solutions that significantly reduce the environmental impact of freight operations and addressing key challenges in urban planning and environmental sustainability. 

"I am greatly honored to be awarded the ITSCA and CTF scholarship. It is a significant milestone in my academic journey,” says Dongbo. “It represents not only recognition of my past work but also a powerful motivator encouraging me to continue pursuing innovative research in sustainable freight transportation.” 

Saswat Priyadarshi Nayak, a fourth-year Ph.D. student, is focused on enhancing the accuracy and reliability of Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies through his work on vehicle positioning and multi-sensor fusion.

 "Being awarded the ITSCA and CTF scholarship is a significant honor,” says Saswat. “It validates my hard work and commitment to contributing to intelligent transportation systems and underscores the importance of this research area in shaping the future of mobility." 

Mentorship and Support at CE-CERT

Both students credit the dynamic and supportive academic environment at CE-CERT as instrumental to their success. 

“I am incredibly grateful to my advisors, Dr. Barth and Dr. Boriboonsomsin, for their exceptional guidance and supervision throughout my research journey,” says Dongbo. He also attributes his success to Dr. Wu and his peers for their steadfast support and enthusiasm. 

Saswat also shares his gratitude for the support from his advisors, "My experience at CE-CERT over the past five years has been incredible. Dr. Barth and Dr. Wu have been exceptionally supportive, providing key guidance at every stage of my Ph.D. journey."

Endorsements from Advisors

Dr. Matthew Barth, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education at the Bourns College of Engineering, commended both students, "Saswat and Dongbo exemplify the type of scholarly dedication and innovative thinking we nurture at CE-CERT. Their work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has the potential to significantly impact real-world transportation systems."

Dr. Kanok Boriboonsomsin, Research Engineer and Associate Director at CE-CERT, praised their contributions, noting, "Both students have a unique ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into practical solutions that address real-world problems. It’s this practical application of their research that has already begun to influence our approach to projects at CE-CERT, paving the way for more sustainable transportation solutions."

Dr. Guoyuan Wu, Adjunct Professor and Research Engineer, also expressed his admiration for the progress and dedication of the students. "Both Saswat and Dongbo are not just focused on results but are truly passionate about understanding and solving the underlying challenges in transportation systems. Their innovative approaches and diligent work ethic are impressive," said Dr. Wu.

Professional Development at the ITSCA Annual Meeting

The scholarships also include invitations to the ITSCA Annual Meeting—a key event for professional development in the ITS field. This opportunity allows Saswat and Dongbo to engage with industry leaders, share their research, and expand their academic and professional horizons.

Looking Forward

Both scholars are excited about the potential for their research to make a lasting impact. 

"It’s an exciting time in ITS research. The technological advancements are opening new doors for innovation,” says Saswat. “It’s never too late to contribute to this evolving field, be it in policymaking, planning, or research." 

Dongbo encourages his peers to embrace new challenges:"embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and explore new research ideas and career opportunities."

As representatives of the Transportation Systems Research (TSR) group at CE-CERT, Saswat and Dongbo are prime examples of how dedicated research and innovative thinking can profoundly influence the future of ITS. We celebrate their achievements and the continued impact of their work in pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation technologies and services.