Graduate Student Recognized for Exceptional Leadership
Abolfazl Karimpour, a third-year CAEM doctoral student and graduate research assistant, received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Western District of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The award recognizes students who have shown exceptional dedication through transportation engineering through service, research, mentoring or real-world experiences.
“I am honored to be selected for this award, and forward my sincere gratitude to all of the CAEM faculty and staff who have helped me and supported all students – especially my adviser, Dr. Yao-Jan Wu, and Dr. Dominic Boccelli.”
Karimpour also received the Outstanding Graduate/Professional Student Leadership award from the University of Arizona Graduate and Professional Student Council for his work as president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers UA student chapter in fall 2018 and spring 2019.
“Being a UAITE member and president was the experience of a lifetime,” said Karimpour, who has been a member of the club since fall 2016. “I learned a lot during this process, and I am pretty sure I will be using every ounce of this experience in my future personal and academic career.”
The GPSC award is given to a student who demonstrates exemplary commitment and leadership skills, who helps their program or organization grow, and who has a positive impact on the UA community. Under Karimpour’s leadership, UAITE put together four conferences, organized two days’ worth of interviews with companies for full-time jobs and internships, and held biweekly meetings with transportation sector representatives. He said the experience has been invaluable.
“I would suggest that all students who are seeking a leadership career be involved in at least one student club,” he said.
Under his dissertation adviser, Yao-Jan Wu, and with funding from the Pima County Transportation Department, Karimpour is working on projects related to speed evaluation management and analyzing land use and transportation policies for the future of autonomous vehicles. He’s also working with the Maricopa Association of Governments on developing a regional plan to enhance the future of mobility and technology.