WTS-CenCal Monthly Membership Luncheon - November Edition 2024

Please join us for WTS-CenCal's November Luncheon!

This month, we will have the Fresno State Transportation Institute (FSTI) presenting on the work they have been doing at CSU, Fresno. The FSTI is a unique collaboration between Fresno State's Lyles College of Engineering, Craig School of Business, College of Social Sciences, and Fresno Council of Governments. Building a diverse set of activities, FSTI's mission includes education, research, technical service, and public outreach. The Founding Director of FSTI, Dr. Aly Tawfik, along with several FSTI student members, will be highlighting the institute's past successes and ambitious future plans. The FSTI student members presenting with Dr. Aly Tawfik will be Alexis Zane Alexander, Alexis Perez, Anahi Labra, Cesar Aranibar, Jerome Martizano, Juliana-Love Liwanag, and Saugat Paudel. Additional information about each of these speakers is provided below.

Come enjoy good food, network with industry professionals, and learn more about the impact FSTI is having on the transportation industry.

Seating is limited. Register now!

Dr. Aly M. Tawfik is an Associate Professor of Transportation Systems Engineering, and Founding Director of the Transportation Institute, at California State University, Fresno. His area of expertise includes transportation and travel data; and modeling, simulation and optimization of individual travel behavior and of transportation systems. He has a particular passion for transportation sustainability and the future of transportation. Dr. Tawfik serves on local, national and international transportation boards and committees. He is the author of many peer reviewed publications, and has given keynote presentations at local, national and international venues.

Alexis Zane Alexander is a 4th-year undergraduate and Lyles College of Engineering Honors student majoring in Civil Engineering with a planned emphasis in Transportation Engineering. He served as 2023-24 Fresno State ITE President, helping to restart the chapter in 2023. He has been enjoying performing research and assisting FSTI with a variety of activities since October 2022 and currently interns with Mark Thomas as a Roadway Design Intern.

Alexis Perez is a fourth-year Civil Engineering student and the Vice President of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Within Fresno State Transportation Institute (FSTI) he contributes to research, helps with educational outreach efforts, and maintains the website. Additionally he works as a real estate assistant, and holds a California real estate license.

Anahi Labra is currently pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design emphasis on Interactive Multimedia Design, and serves as the multimedia designer for FSTI. She previously studied Studio Arts in Florence, Italy, where her work was featured in two art exhibitions. Additionally, her poster designs were selected for publication in a magazine by the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, an esteemed art gallery foundation, as part of their Art Matters project.

Cesar Aranibar is a Junior Mechanical Engineer who loves 3D printing and plays a few instruments in his free time. As a Student Fellow at Fresno State’s Transportation Institute, he’s spent over a year taking on leadership roles in K-12 outreach, making transportation fun and accessible for everyone.

Jerome Martizano is an undergraduate student pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on transportation at the Lyles College of Engineering. He is a student assistant at the Fresno State Transportation Institute and is currently working alongside the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism to put together multiple FSTI informational videos.

Juliana-Love Liwanag is the newest hire at the Fresno State Transportation Institute. She is an MCJ student focused on advertising and public relations. She specializes in social media strategy, photography, and compelling storytelling. With a keen eye for visuals and a passion for creative communication, she aims to amplify the institute's brand and engage audiences innovatively.

Saugat Paudel, an international student from Nepal, is currently pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation at Fresno State. Holding a Bachelor’s degree from Tribhuvan University, he serves as a Graduate Fellow at the Fresno State Transportation Institute (FSTI), where he contributes to advancing research initiatives and streamlining administrative operations. His research interests encompass transportation planning and safety, sustainable infrastructure development, transportation network design, and construction materials.

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