Fayetteville State University Showcases Innovation and Research Excellence at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting
Washington (January 10, 2025) – Fayetteville State University (FSU) proudly participated in the 104th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, held January 5–9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This premier global event brought together over 13,000 transportation professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge developments in transportation research and policy.
FSU’s strong presence at the conference highlighted its commitment to advancing transportation research, education, and industry partnerships. The university’s delegation included distinguished faculty members Dr. Burcu Adivar, Dr. Murat Adivar (Director of the Center for ERP and Advanced Analytics - CERPAA), Dr. Rodney McCrowre, and Dr. Meysam Manesh, accompanied by staff and a DDETFP Scholarship recipient. Together, they engaged with key stakeholders, showcased FSU’s innovative programs, and explored collaborative opportunities.
Student Excellence Recognized on a National Stage
A standout moment for FSU came when student Atina Manesh, under the mentorship of Dr. Burcu Adivar, received the prestigious [Insert Award Name] at the conference. This recognition reflects FSU’s dedication to nurturing student success and fostering academic excellence in transportation and related fields.
Building Strategic Partnerships
FSU’s exhibition booth attracted significant attention from industry leaders and alumni. Notably, Dr. Willie Smith, an FSU alumnus and former Senior Procurement Executive at the U.S. Department of Transportation, visited the booth and facilitated introductions with key transportation agencies. These connections pave the way for future research collaborations and internship opportunities for FSU students.
Additionally, Kuzeyhan Ozdemir from the NobleReach Foundation expressed strong interest in partnering with FSU to support innovative transportation research initiatives. This promising partnership could open new doors for funding, research, and student engagement in critical transportation projects.
Highlighting Academic Programs in Supply Chain and Technology
FSU also promoted its growing Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management and Technology, designed to prepare students for careers in logistics, transportation, and supply chain innovation. The program generated considerable interest among attendees, further positioning FSU as a leader in preparing graduates for high-demand sectors in the global economy.
“Our participation in the TRB Annual Meeting was an incredible opportunity to showcase Fayetteville State University’s research capabilities and academic programs,” said Ulysses Taylor, Dean of Broadwell College of Business and Economics. “The recognition of our student, the valuable connections made, and the exciting prospects for collaboration with organizations like the NobleReach Foundation reflect our university’s commitment to innovation and excellence in transportation research and education.”
DDETFP stands for the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides funding to students pursuing degrees in transportation-related disciplines. The goal of the DDETFP is to attract and prepare the next generation of transportation professionals by supporting academic research, encouraging innovation, and fostering workforce development in the transportation sector.
The NobleReach Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing U.S. national security and innovation by connecting top talent from government, industry, and academia. Established in 2022, NobleReach focuses on developing mission-driven technology and entrepreneurship to address critical national challenges. Through programs like NobleReach Scholars and strategic partnerships, the foundation fosters innovation and prepares the next generation of leaders in science and technology.