From dramatic policy swings for vehicles and infrastructure to rapidly evolving technologies, this is a busy time for transportation policy in the United States. Over the coming years, policymakers at all levels will make key decisions that affect the innovation and adoption of new transportation technologies—and both policymakers and other experts have signaled a need for research that integrates engineering, economics, and policy perspectives to inform these decisions.
This one-day event exhibited interdisciplinary research on the economic, equity, environmental, and health implications of new technologies and policies, and featured discussions with policy experts on the future of US transportation policies.
The 2026 Transportation Engineering, Economics, and Policy Workshop was organized jointly by the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, and Resources for the Future, with generous funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM ET | Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM ET | Opening Remarks
Joshua Linn, Professor, University of Maryland
9:10-10:30 AM ET | Emerging Developments in Transportation Decarbonization Research
Jeremy Michalek, Carnegie Mellon University, “Electric Vehicle Battery Chemistries, Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Circularity Potential” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Asal Mehditabrizi, University of Maryland, “En Route and Home Proximity in EV Charging Accessibility: A Spatial Equity Analysis” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Parth Vaishnav, University of Michigan, “Vehicle-to-home charging can cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions across the USA” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Samitha Samaranayake, Cornell University, “The Need for Transit-Centric Thinking in an Autonomous, Connected, and Electrified Future” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Anna Stefanopoulou, Professor, University of Michigan (Moderator)
10:30-10:50 AM ET | Break
10:50 AM-12:00 PM ET | Fellow Research Presentation Session 1
Rin Futara, University of Maryland, “The Role of Consumer Beliefs in Consumer Undervaluation of Automotive Fuel Cost Savings” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Jingchen Ma, University of Michigan, “Electric Vehicle Thermal Preconditioning: Energy Demand Implications under Climate Change” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Ricardo Daziano, Professor, Cornell University (Moderator)
12:00-12:45 PM ET | Lunch
12:45-1:55 PM ET | Fellow Research Presentation Session 2
Matias Navarro, Cornell University, “On the Right Track? Designing Optimal Public Transit Contracts.” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
JP Pieper, Carnegie Mellon University, ”Manufacturing flexibility could mitigate vulnerability to PEV battery supply-chain disruptions” Slides(Opens in New Tab)
Joshua Linn, Professor, University of Maryland (Moderator)
1:55-2:15 PM ET | Break
2:15-2:45 PM ET | Research Briefs
Arseniy Braslavskiy, University of Maryland, “Pressure to Spend: Transportation Project Selection under ARRA”
Ning Duan, Cornell University, “Bus Line Design Considering Passenger Choice” Slides
Siqi Feng, Cornell University, “A Choice-based Recommender System to Match Supply and Demand: Multimodal Mobility as a Service”
John Mantus, Carnegie Mellon University, “Rethinking Electric Vehicle Externalities: Global Emissions and Distributional Equity”
Apoorva Roy, University of Michigan, “Valuation of Used Electric Vehicles: Trustworthy Range and Remaining Useful Life Assessment”
2:45-4:00 PM ET | Panel Discussion: Transportation Research Opportunities to Inform Upcoming Policy Challenges
Jeff Beck, Senior Director of Federal Affairs, American Motor Honda Co. Inc.
Tim Dallmann, Global Programs Director, International Council on Clean Transportation
Cody Nehiba, National Center for Environmental Economics at the US EPA
Kate Whitefoot, Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
4:00 PM ET | Closing Remarks
Kate Whitefoot, Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
4:00-5:00 PM ET | Networking Reception
Refreshments and desserts will be provided.
The 2026 TEEP fellows represent a diverse group of scholars committed to driving progress in transportation research. Each fellow brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in sustainable transportation and policy innovation. Explore their research and learn how they’re making an impact:
Roy's research explores how battery diagnostics can improve confidence in the used electric vehicle market. By developing methods to accurately assess battery health and remaining useful life, the work aims to address durability concerns and support broader EV adoption.
Braslavskiy's research investigates how a major influx of federal funding influenced transportation project selection. His analysis provides new insights into how agencies balance maintenance and expansion investments, helping inform future transit funding policies.
Duan's research examines how public transit systems can better reflect traveler preferences. By combining passenger choice models with network optimization, the work seeks to design bus systems that are more efficient, equitable, and responsive to rider needs.
Feng's research explores how Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms can better connect travelers with transportation options. By integrating choice models with recommender systems, the work aims to improve multimodal travel and encourage greater use of sustainable transportation.
Mantus's research examines the environmental and equity implications of electric vehicle supply chains. By evaluating global emissions and their health impacts, the work provides new perspectives on how transportation policies can account for fairness alongside decarbonization goals.