Research & Projects

Research Assistant @ Build America Center

The Build America Center (BAC) will mobilize the use of innovative finance, funding, and project delivery solutions to foster new approaches to transportation infrastructure development projects. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the BAC will lead cutting-edge research, deliver innovative training, and provide customized technical assistance in support of the Implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Journal Articles:

• Shaheen, Q. H., Zhang, K., & Cui, Q. (Forthcoming). “Value for money by design: Evidence from the I-66 Express Lanes Project”. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.

• Zhang, K.,Shaheen, Q. H., & Cui, Q. (Forthcoming). "Understanding Structured Project Finance for U.S. Transportation Public-Private Partnerships: What Maximizes Financing Capacity?", Special Issue on Public Private Partnership (PPP) - Lessons Learned and Ways Forward in Meeting Emerging Needs. Jour. of  Built Environment Project and Asset Management.

• Zhang, K., Shaheen, Q. H., Halimi, Z., & Cui, Q. (Forthcoming). Distributional patterns and comparative insights from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“Color of IIJA”). Jour. of Transport Policy.

• Shaheen, Q. H., Erfani, A., Mohammed, M. Y., Zhen, D., & Cui, Q. (Forthcoming). ChatGPT as a training coach: Pattern-specific outcomes in Build America Buy America Act training. Jour. of Management in Engineering.

Conference Proceedings:

• Shaheen, Q. H., Jiang, N., & Cui, Q. Design of SIB governance structures. Abstract accepted for podium presentation at ASCE Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) Conference 2026.

• Shaheen, Q. H., Jiang, N., & Cui, Q. Decision-support agent for SIB legislation and rulemaking. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at ASCE Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) Conference 2026.

• Zhou, H., Shaheen, Q. H., Duan, N., & Cui, Q. Developing an AI model to enhance bidding strategies for construction companies. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at ASCE Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) Conference 2026.

• Shaheen, Q. H., Zhou, H., & Cui, Q. Augmented cost estimation in highway projects: A proof-of-concept for State DOTs. Submitted to the Construction Research Congress (CRC) 2026.

• Zhou, H., Duan, N., Shaheen, Q. H., & Cui, Q. Data-driven assessment of long-term bidding behavior in construction firms. Submitted to the Construction Research Congress (CRC) 2026.

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