The transportation research program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a motivated student at the undergraduate level to work on an exciting interdisciplinary research project with Dr. Sarah Grajdura. The position is available for this summer, but may be extended to the Fall 2025 semester. Hours are flexible, and work can be done remotely. The expectation is 10-15 hours a week through the summer and pay is $15/hour. Enrollment in the College of Engineering is not required; students in any major are encouraged to apply. Students must have no previous research experience to be eligible for this position.

The project studies evacuee vehicle abandonment in the 2025 Los Angeles Palisades and Eaton Fires. This project will investigate (1) why and where evacuees abandon their vehicles, (2) the obstacles these abandoned vehicles pose to emergency responders, and (3) how agencies coordinate to move these vehicles during fast-moving wildfire evacuations. Data is collected through semi-structured interviews with evacuees and agency personnel, and will be combined with agency dispatch records and routes, emergency notification and agency call logs, and traffic congestion data. This project uncovers insights on evacuee behavior and planning for fast-moving wildfires across the US.

Desired skills include any or all of the following: data/statistical analysis using R or Python, GIS/mapping, and qualitative analysis. Duties may include reviewing literature, conducting data collection efforts, managing datasets, applying statistical and data analytic techniques, analyzing interview data, writing technical reports and papers, and giving professional presentations. This is a great opportunity for those interested in getting research experience, pursuing graduate study, or a career in the transportation field.

Contact Sarah Grajdura for more information.