FIU students achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Florida Puerto Rico ITE Conference (TRANSPO) in Orlando from August 25-28, winning numerous awards across multiple categories.
1. William R. McGrath FLPRITE District Transportation Scholarship
Each year, the Florida Puerto Rico Institute of Transportation Engineers (FLPRITE) District proudly awards the prestigious William R. McGrath Transportation Scholarship to support the academic growth of exceptional students. At the 2024 Transpo Conference and FLPRITE Annual Meeting, held in Orlando from August 25th to 28th, two students from FIU were honored with this scholarship for their achievement. First place was awarded to Hellen Shita, and second place to Francisca Kasubi, recognizing their remarkable achievements in the field of transportation.
2. Daniel B. Fambro Best Student Paper Award
The Daniel B. Fambro student paper award is awarded annually to a student with an outstanding research paper. The award honors the work of Daniel B. Fambro, who was a professor and associate research engineer, and is meant to encourage student members to carry out independent and original research in transportation. The 2024 FLPRITE Daniel B. Fambro student paper was awarded to an FIU student, Francisca Kasubi for her outstanding paper titled “Analyzing the Synergistic Effects of TSM&O Strategies on Post-Incident Traffic Speed Recovery.” The primary objective of the paper was to determine the most effective combinations of TSM&O strategies, including Dynamic Message Signs (DMSs), Road Ranger Service Patrols (RRSP), Severe Incident Response Vehicles (SIRV), and Express Lanes (ELs), in restoring traffic speeds swiftly after incidents.
3. Student Poster Competition
At the 2024 Transpo Conference, FLPRITE Annual Meeting, FIU students showcased their expertise and innovative ideas by participating in a transportation-focused poster competition. The event featured research and projects on a wide range of transportation-related topics, prepared and presented by students from various universities in Florida. FIU students earned the top three positions in the competition, with Hellen Shita taking first place, Francisca Kasubi securing second place, and Abdallah Kinero placing third. Their success highlights the dedication and hard work of FIU students in the field of transportation research.
4. Shark Tank Competition
At the 2024 Transpo Conference, the Shark Tank competition showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of students as they pitched innovative solutions to transportation related challenges. FIU students won two of the presented awards, with Hellen Shita and Enock Mwambeleko earning first place, while Francisca Kasubi and Odilo Mdimi secured third place.
