Erin Bailey, a West Virginia University civil engineering graduate student from Huntington, was recently awarded the Dwight David Eisenhower Graduate Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

The Eisenhower Graduate Fellowship provides funding for the pursuit of a master’s or doctorate degree in a transportation related field. Encompassing all modes of transportation, the goal of the fellowship award is to enhance innovation and knowledge in the transportation community.

While completing her degree, Bailey’s research will focus on freight transportation optimization models and how collaborations among freight carriers can improve their operations.

“Because of the competitive nature of the trucking industry, my research is significant,” said Bailey. “We need to produce the most effective outcomes out of carrier integrated operations.”

In addition, she will be working on a research project for the West Virginia Division of Highways with her advisor Dr. Avinash Unnikrishnan, civil engineering assistant professor, and Dr. David Martinelli, civil engineering professor, to investigate measures to help reduce rear-end collisions in West Virginia work zones.

“Erin’s passion for her work is evident,” said Gene Cilento, dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. “We are excited she returned to WVU to launch the next phases of her academic career.”

Upon graduating Bailey plans to pursue a career in transportation planning or logistics. After finishing her undergraduate degree from WVU, she worked in Owings Mills, MD, for the past two years.

-WVU-

07/21/10

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CONTACT:
Nicole Riggleman
Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
(304) 293-4257
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