The University of California Transportation Center (UCTC) is a multi-campus organization headquartered on the UC Berkeley campus. UCTC carries out basic and applied research which is published in journals and on the Center’s web site. UTCs are asked to identify a “theme,” and the UCTC theme is transportation systems analysis and policy. It organizes and participates in conferences and workshops to discuss research findings, inform public policy, and identify new and emerging research needs. It works with international, national, state, regional and local agencies and private organizations to put research findings into practice. Last, but not least, it offers fellowships and sponsors new courses to entice the best students into careers in transportation.
One such student is Geography grad Gargi Chaudhuri, who has just been awarded a UCTC Dissertation Grant of $20,000 for the Fall 2009 award cycle. The UCTC Director, Robert Cervero, noted: “All 10 submissions for the Fall 2009 award cycle were quite good. Proposals were reviewed, evaluated, and ranked independently by former UCTC Dissertation Award grantees. We very much look forward to seeing your dissertation results.” Gargi completed her BA (2005) and her MA (2007) in Geography from the University of Calcutta, specializing in Cartography; she is currently working with Dr. Keith Clarke on the impact of interaction between land use – transportation network – policy and its change over time.
Students at any campus of the University of California are eligible for a UCTC Dissertation Grant (except UC Davis, which has a separate UTC.) The dissertation research must be on topics with direct relevance to U.S. surface transportation, with a focus on systems analysis and policy. Applicants must have advanced to candidacy for their PhD. degree prior to the application deadline. Dissertations are expected to be completed no later than two years following the receipt of the dissertation grant. Go Gargi!
