Human factors-related design and assessment, vulnerable road users

Position description: The Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering at the University at Buffalo is recruiting a PhD student to conduct human factors-related design and assessment of vulnerable road users (e.g., pedestrians and cyclists). Using virtual simulation methods (e.g., virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality) and real-world observation methodologies, the successful candidate will evaluate vulnerable road user safety, behavior, stated preference, and physiological feedback as it relates to interactions with connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). This work will involve interdisciplinary research including transportation engineering, computer engineering, human factors design, and urban planning. A solid background and/or interest in several of the following subjects is required:

  • Roadway design and safety analysis
  • Transportation planning and modeling
  • Traffic operations and ITS
  • Development of virtual, mixed and augmented virtual environments
  • Investigation of technological interventions and their impacts on human behavior, preference and safety
  • Development of virtual simulation methodologies for human factors related experimentation

Financial support: Doctoral students are supported with a stipend ($28,542 for AY 22/23), paid tuition and healthcare. More information on financial support is available here. Financial support after the first year is contingent on academic standing and research progress.

Side view of the simRing.

Research Facilities: University at Buffalo faculty and students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Motion Simulator Laboratory (MSL) and a soon to be established virtual simulation laboratory. The MSL features a simRING motion-based driving simulator, which is equipped with the front end of a car mounted on a moving platform that emulates the real-life motions of a car as it reacts to turns, changes in elevation, and other road conditions. The soon to be established virtual simulation laboratory will be equipped with multiple, research grade virtual and mixed reality headsets, an actuating bicycle simulator, a pedestrian omni-directional virtual movement platform, research grade eye-tracking and physiological sensing equipment, and multiple, high-performance computers for developing and running human-subject experiments within immersive virtual environments.

Contact Information

Contact assistant professor Austin Angulo for the position description and Jackie Baum, graduate studies coordinator, for other information, including admission, visas, and the graduate program in the department.

Jackie Baum

CIvil, Structural and Environmental Engineering

212C Ketter Hall

Phone: (716) 645-4350

Email: jbaum3@buffalo.edu