News

by Adylbek Abdykalikov, USC, IPPAM 2020

On April 3, 2020 Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Professor of Global Studies & Geography at Hofstra University, New York and a member of METRANS’ MetroFreight research center, presented his research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation to METRANS Advisory Board, faculty, and staff. Titled “Coronavirus Impacts on Trade and Supply Chains,” the presentation focused on the effects of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic on international trade and supply chains.  Rodrigue was invited by METRANS Director, Professor and Ferraro Chair in Effective Local Government at the University of Southern California, Dr. Genevieve Giuliano.  “METRANS is fortunate to have a deep bench of experts from which we can draw,” Giuliano noted.  “Professor Rodrigue not only is one of the world’s experts in international trade, but also conducted a research project on the potential impact of a pandemic on global supply chains.  He is uniquely qualified to tell us what we can expect from this pandemic.”

Read the full article on METRANS.org.

The NNTW team and regional workforce centers recently completed the National Transportation Career Pathways Initiative (NTCPI). The strategic initiative established a set of five transportation discipline-focused career pathways that will be deployed within post-secondary education/training institutions nationwide, in order to begin the development of forward-looking, technology-infused workforce pipelines that would lead students and job seekers into critical occupations within the highway transportation sector.

The Southwest Transportation Workforce Center (SWTWC) has teamed up with Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) to create and offer a pilot transportation planning curriculum to demonstrate how students can use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as an entry to transportation planning career pathways where none formally existed. This pilot is being funded through a grant to the SWTWC-led NNTW in partnership with LATTC and Trade Tech’s Transportation Workforce Institute (TWI). The program is called ARC 341: GIS Metropolitan Access Planning Systems, is offered as part of a for-credit LATTC course.

“This course is designed to empower underrepresented and disadvantaged populations by demonstrating the viability of career pathways between two and four-year institutions in the area of transportation planning,” said SWTWC Director Thomas O’Brien. “While most 4-year planning programs teach GIS to transportation students, we want to teach transportation to GIS students as a way to raise awareness of GIS application and its relevance in transportation related careers.”

The LATTC pilot course also extends opportunities to K-12 students through the college’s dual enrollment program. “By linking this course to both K-12 and college students, we are able to create a complete career pathway for students across the academic continuum,” O’Brien added.

“Students interested in learning about GIS can gain a valuable skillset from this course and apply it to their future career, whether it be in urban planning, transportation planning, or any other related field,” said TWI Director Jess Guerra.

GIS Pilot Course Classroom Activity

Geographic Information Systems manage and analyze spatial data and are valuable tools in addressing various real-world problems that have a spatial component. This course introduces students to fundamental principles and concepts that reinforce the practice of geographic analysis with GIS, including: computer representation of geographic data, vector and raster data models, map projections, coordinate systems, spatial analysis, and map design. After completing this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to perform real-world tasks and solve problems.

The spring 2018 course started on February 24, 2018 and will run through the end of May. Students who complete the course will earn transferable credits to UC and CSU schools.

LATTC’s mission is developing local employment opportunities for diverse and underrepresented Los Angeles populations and advancing communities through academic, career, and transfer pathway successes. LATTC achieves this mission through its career-technical and professional education programs.

Part I: July 13, 2018, noon-1pm ET

Avoiding Brain Drain in Transportation Organizations

Leaning Forward: Knowledge and Information Management for a Nimble Organization

– Leni Oman, Washington State Depart. of Transportation

This presentation highlights WSDOT’s approach to understanding business needs, establishing a foundation for execution, and strengthening the learning culture.

Capturing and Learning Essential Consultant-Developed Knowledge within Departments of Transportation

– Frances Harrison, Spy Pond Partners, LLC This presentation highlights a recent NCHRP study that developed guidance on assessing risks and establishing knowledge capture procedures when using consultants

Part II: August 8, 2018, noon – 1pm ET

Avoiding Brain Drain in Transportation Organizations

Anticipatory Knowledge

 – Donna Cuomo, MITRE Corporation

An overview of MITRE’s approach to anticipating the knowledge and process needs of employees – and delivering the right information at the right time.

Guidance for Development and Management of Sustainable Information Portals

– Benjamin Pecheux, Applied Engineering Management Corporation

This presentation summarizes a recent NCHRP study that created a guide for development and management of effective DOT enterprise information portals (EIPs).