2022 Global Symposium

2022 Global Symposium on Connected and Automated Vehicles and Infrastructure

3D animated city with '2022 Global Symposium' written in the sky.

We are excited to share with you the confirmed dates for the 2022 CCAT Global Symposium — April 12th and 13th. The fifth annual conference will be hosted at the Michigan Union in Ann Arbor, MI with both in-person and virtual registration options available to attendees. The two-day, two-track event will continue discussions on cybersecurity, infrastructure, shared mobility, and more. Explore the event speakers, registration rates, hotel options, and more below. Join our mailing list to be the first to receive updates from the University of Michigan’s premier transportation event.

The 2022 CCAT Global Symposium on Connected and Automated Vehicles and Infrastructure is sponsored by Michigan Engineering, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Mcity, and WSP. Women in Autonomy serves as our conference partner.

Event Location (Michigan Union)


The fifth annual CCAT Global Symposium returns to an in-person/virtual format in 2022. We are moving from the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College to the Michigan Union. The Michigan Union is located at 530 South State Street in Ann Arbor, MI. Our new location will allow for more student participation and easier access through public transportation/shared mobility. Track one, featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, and all meals will take place in the Rogel Ballroom. Track two, featuring CCAT Research presentations, will take place in the Pendleton Room.


Event Program

Click on the panel or research presentation title in the agenda to watch a VOD on our YouTube channel, or view the entire playlist here.

DAY ONE AGENDA (APRIL 12)

Time (ET)Session (# = Rogel Ballroom, ^ = Pendleton Room)
8:00 — 9:00 AMConference Check-In and Breakfast#
9:00 — 9:15 AMOpening Remarks#
Dr. Henry Liu, Director, Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
9:15 — 9:30 AMMorning Keynote#
Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Representative, Michigan’s 11th Congressional District
9:30 — 10:30 AMPanel Discussion 1: How Michigan is Poised to Address the Future Transportation System#
The U.S. transportation system is in a period of rapid change: from automation, electrification, and the role of the electrical grid, it is vital that stakeholders react swiftly. How is the home of the auto industry prepared to meet this growth paired with large infrastructure investment from the Biden Administration? Dr. Sayer is joined by leaders from academia, government, and infrastructure owner operators to address that and highlight areas of improvement to meet everyone’s mobility needs.

Moderator: Dr. James Sayer, Director, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
Speaker(s): Paul Ajegba, P.E., Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Representative of 12th District, State of Michigan
Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
Dawn Tilbury, Associate Vice President for Research – Convergence Sciences, Office of the Vice President for Research (University of Michigan)
10:30 — 10:45 AMBreak
10:45 — 11:45 AM Panel Discussion 2: Deploying Smart Intersections for Safe Mobility#
The large-scale deployment of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) will require a robust infrastructure as a result of onboard sensor limitations. Intersections will need to communicate hazardous scenarios to drivers and other road users leveraging Cellular-V2X (C-V2X), vision, and radar. The Smart Intersections Project (SIP), led by the University of Michigan, is implementing these cutting-edge technologies at intersections in the home of the first, real-world deployment of CAVs. Attendees will learn the safety benefits of infrastructure-based perception and how a public entity can finance, build, operate, and maintain this technology.

Moderator: Dr. Henry Liu, Director, Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
Speaker(s): Erin Milligan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, P3Mobility
Dr. Michael Shulman, Connected Vehicles Technical Expert, Ford Motor Company
Vivian Swan, Technical Project Lead for Smart Infrastructure Systems, Continental
10:45 — 11:45 AM Research Presentation 1: University of Akron^
Rolling resistance largely affects the safety of emergency braking and it changes with road conditions and other environmental factors. This presentation discusses a condition-dependent, time-resolved approach for estimating disturbances from variations in the roadway environment to the operation and fleet keeping of CAVs. The research work focuses on the internal dynamics of acceleration and vehicular interactions when such external factors are exerted on the CAV fleet. The implication to the safe operation and critical inter-vehicle spacing is discussed.

Funded Project: Impact Analysis of Roadway Surface and Vehicle Conditions on Fleet Formation for Connected and Automated Vehicles
Speaker: Dr. Ping Yi, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Akron

View a PDF of Dr. Ping Yi’s slide deck
11:45 — 12:45 PMLunch#
12:45 — 1:45 PMPanel Discussion 3: How Can CAV Security Climb the Pecking Order?#
In 2020, a Berlin artist was able to use 99 cellphones and a handcart to trick Google Maps into alerting users of a non-existent traffic jam. Research from the University of Michigan in 2018 discovered that, due to increasing entry points for ghost car creation, real traffic jams can be created. Vulnerabilities in autonomous driving artificial intelligence can cause various road hazards such as missing ‘STOP’ signs, causing crashes, unintended lane departure, or emergency braking. If large-scale investment in automated vehicles is based on safety, the security of these systems must be a top priority. Are they? What are the challenges that academia, industry, and government are facing in building resiliency to attacks? Professor Chen will be joined by leaders in CAV security to provide insight on the largest bottlenecks and possible solutions.

Moderator: Dr. Qi Alfred Chen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine
Speaker(s): Dr. Yiheng Feng, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Purdue University
Dr. Wenjing Lou, W.C. English Professor of Computer Science, Virginia Tech
Dr. Jonathan Petit*, Director of Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Jennifer Tisdale, Chief Executive Officer, GRIMM Cyber R&D

* participating virtually
12:45 — 1:45 PMResearch Presentation 2: University of Michigan^
This talk presents the PREACT system, a new technology for alleviating motion sickness in autonomous vehicles. PREACT employs prediction algorithms to anticipate impending inertial events associated with driving and accordingly makes preemptive interventions (via active seats, restraints, and passenger stimuli) before the inertial events actually happen, thereby averting motion sickness. CCAT researchers will present the development of several components of this technology so far and their plans for experimental validation via human-subject testing at the Mcity facility.

Funded Project: Motion Sickness Alleviation in Autonomous Vehicles via Preemptive Interventions
Speaker: Dr. Shorya Awtar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
1:45 — 2:00 PMBreak
2:00 — 2:15 PMPre-Panel Keynote#
Director Shelby Scales, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of Transportation
2:15 — 3:15 PMPanel Discussion 4: Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Transportation Research#
This discussion will focus on historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) and the unique perspective that they bring to transportation research and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s investments such as the University Transportation Centers (UTC) program. Speakers from several HBCUs including Benedict College, Bowie State University, and Central State University will highlight successful partnerships, research projects, outreach, and engagement.

Moderator: Dawn Tucker-Thomas, University Grants Manager in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, U.S. Department of Transportation
Speaker(s): Dr. Mashrur Chowdhury*, Eugene Douglas Mays Chair of Transportation, Clemson University, Director, Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility
Dr. Ramanitharan Kandiah, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Chair, Central State University
Dr. Haydar Teymourlouei, Assistant Professor of Technology and Security, Bowie State University

* participating virtually
2:15 — 3:15 PMResearch Presentation 3: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign^
Autonomous and Connected trucks may save up 15% fuel by forming truck platoons. However, truck platoons could cause channelized load on pavement structures. Optimizing the positions of platoon trucks in the lane could extend the service life of flexible pavements.

Funded Project: Multifront Approach for Improving Navigation of Autonomous and Connected Trucks
Moderator: Dr. Imad Al-Qadi, Bliss Professor of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Speaker: Egemen Okte, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

View a PDF of Egemen Okte’s slide deck
3:15 — 3:30 PMBreak
3:30 — 4:00 PMAfternoon Keynote#
Indu Vijayan, Director of Product Management, AEye, Inc., Founder, Women in Autonomy
4:00 — 5:00 PMPanel Discussion 5: Is Our Infrastructure All It’s Cracked Up To Be?#
This panel will discuss current trends in transportation technologies including electrification, ITS, Transportation System Performance, Communications Technologies (including 5G), and infrastructure support of Connected, Automated, and Electric Vehicles. Collin is joined by leaders from academic research, infrastructure owner-operators, and industry.

Moderator: Collin Castle, ITS Program Manager, Michigan Department of Transportation
Speakers: Dr. Darcy Bullock, Professor, Purdue University
Bonnie Datta*, Founder, PlugtoGrid Strategies
Blaine Leonard, Transportation Technology Engineer, Utah Department of Transportation
Brian Peebles, Senior Manager of Technology Development, Verizon

* participating virtually
5:00 — 5:15 PMClosing Remarks#
Dr. Henry Liu, Director, Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
5:15 — 6:00 PMNetworking Session#
6:00 — 7:00 PMDinner#
Time (ET)Session (# = Rogel Ballroom, ^ = Pendleton Room)

DAY TWO AGENDA (APRIL 13)

Time (ET)Session (# = Rogel Ballroom, ^ = Pendleton Room, % = 2210 ABC Room)
8:00 — 9:00 AMConference Check-In and Breakfast#
9:00 — 9:15 AMOpening Remarks#
Dr. Henry Liu, Director, Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
9:15 — 9:30 AMMorning Keynote#
Dr. Rose Bellanca, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washtenaw Community College
9:30 — 10:30 AMPanel Discussion 1: At All Costs — Economic Strength and Modernization of Mobility/Transit#
This panel will discuss the obstacles that transit, shared/micromobility, and MOD/MAAS are currently facing and how to overcome them. This includes public/private partnerships, data utilization, and public policy. Speakers will demystify mobility and discuss how we can expand access, address transportation deserts, and how to make the whole system work for everyone.

Moderator: Ryan Buck, Director, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS)
Speaker(s): Komal Doshi, Director of Mobility Programs, Ann Arbor SPARK
Amy Lopez, Director of Public Sector Services and Smart City Strategy, INRIX
Sarah Pressprich-Gryniewicz, Strategy Analyst, May Mobility
Adrian Witte, PE, New Mobility Practice Lead, Toole Design
9:30 — 10:30 AMResearch Presentation 1: Purdue University^
After more than a decade of the introduction of shared mobility, these services are still heavily scrutinized. While some evidence suggests that their integration came at a cost, such as replacing public transit, other studies welcomed them as a solution for some of transportation’s problems, such as first-mile/ last-mile problem. This study explores the use of such services in the context of a medium-sized city in the United States. It also investigates the impact that the pandemic had on travel behavior with regards to shared mobility services.

Funded Project: The Impact of COVID-19 on User Perceptions of Public Transit, Shared Mobility/Micro-Mobility Services, and Emerging Vehicle Types
Moderator: Dr. Konstantina “Nadia” Gkritza, Professor of Civil Engineering, Purdue University
Speaker: Ricardo Chahine, Ph.D. Student, Purdue University
10:30 — 10:45 AMBreak
10:45 — 11:45 AM Panel Discussion 2: Transportation Equity Through the Lens of Shared Mobility#
Transportation equity is a major area of focus for the Biden Administration. The USDOT aims to “undertake a comprehensive approach to advance racial equity for all, including individuals who have been historically underserved and adversely affected by persistent poverty or income inequality.” Shared mobility may play a significant role in achieving this objective by increasing mobility choices as well as reducing traffic congestion and improving efficiency. This session is led by Dr. Tayo Fabusuyi and features speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds as they highlight their work in providing greater access to mobility for all.

Moderator: Dr. Tayo Fabusuyi, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
Speaker(s): Dr. Richard Ezike*, Director of Infrastructure and Engagement, CHPlanning Ltd.
Dr. Konstantina “Nadia” Gkritza, Professor of Civil Engineering, Purdue University
Josh Johnson, Senior Public Policy Manager, Spin
Todd Litman*, Founder and Executive Director, Victoria Transport Policy Institute

* participating virtually
10:45 — 11:45 AM Research Presentation 2: University of Michigan — Leveraging Connectivity and Automation to Improve Intersection Traffic Control^
Vehicular traffic control at at-grade intersections has been extensively studied in the traffic science and engineering literature. Intersections are where conflicting traffic movements compete for the right-of-way, and thus delay or accidents will likely occur. The essence of intersection control is resource/right-of-way allocation. Finding optimal intersection control belongs to the class of NP-complete problems even under various simplifying assumptions such as relaxing the acceleration/deceleration limits. In this talk, we will discuss how connected and automated vehicle technology can be leveraged to transform intersection control.

Funded Project: Real-Time Distributed Optimization of Traffic Signal Timing
Speaker: Dr. Yafeng Yin, Professor and Interim Chair of Civil Engineering, University of Michigan
11:45 — 12:45 PMLunch#
12:45 — 1:15 PMAfternoon Keynote#
Nick Moroz, Ph.D., Director of Entrepreneurial Practice, University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship

View a PDF of Dr. Nick Moroz’s slide deck
1:15 — 1:30 PMAfternoon Keynote#
Garlin Gilchrist II*, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan

* participating virtually
1:30 — 3:00 PMStudent Poster Competition%
1:30 — 2:30 PMResearch Presentation 3: University of Michigan^
It is well-known that scenario generation is essential for testing and evaluation of autonomous vehicles, but how to generate realistic and trustworthy scenarios efficiently remains an open question. To address this challenge, we have developed a scenario generation toolbox, which includes the augmented reality testing platform and the naturalistic and adversarial driving environment. With this toolbox, every testing mile at test tracks can be converted into thousands of equivalent miles on public roads, which can significantly reduce the development costs and shorten the development cycle.

Funded Project: Development of an Integrated Augmented Reality Testing Environment and Implementation at the American Center for Mobility (ACM)
Speaker: Dr. Shuo Feng, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

View a PDF of Dr. Shuo Feng’s slide deck
3:00 — 3:15 PMBreak
3:15 — 3:30 PMStudent Award Announcement and Closing Remarks#
Dr. Henry Liu, Director, Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT)
3:30 — 4:30 PMMcity Shuttle Tour
This shuttle tour of the 32-acre test facility is a free, optional add-on to your in-person registration.
Time (ET) Session (# = Rogel Ballroom, ^ = Pendleton Room, % = 2210 ABC Room)

2022 Student Poster Competition


The Student Poster Competition saw a record number of submissions and included 11 finalists that were able to present their research to academia, government, and industry. This competition is co-sponsored by the Intelligent Transportation Society of Michigan. Explore all of the abstracts/posters submissions from 2022 below:

Our Finalists


1st Place


Student Name: Y. Song
Presentation Title: Predicting Asphalt Pavement Roughness with an Ensemble Learning Approach
Abstract | Poster

2nd Place


Student Name: S. Dahal
Presentation Title: Pavement Assisted Lane Keeping with Passive Material Sensing
Abstract | Poster

3rd Place


Student Name: Z. Yang & J. Ying
Presentation Title: Anomaly Detection Against GPS Spoofing Attacks on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Using Learning from Demonstration
Abstract | Poster

Other Student Submissions


Student Name: M. Hunter
Presentation Title: A Proactive Approach to Evaluating Intersection Safety Using Hard-braking Data
Abstract | Poster

Student Name: Z. Jerome
Presentation Title: Determining Yellow Change and Clearance Intervals for Left-Turning Phases: An Evaluation of the Current Guidelines with Connected Vehicle Data
Abstract | Poster


Student Name: E. D. Saldivar-Carranza
Presentation Title: Roundabout Performance Analysis Using Connected Vehicle Data
Abstract | Poster

Student Name: S. E. Seilabi
Presentation Title: Robust Design of CAV-Dedicated Lanes Considering CAV Demand Uncertainty and Lane Reallocation Policy
Abstract | Poster


Student Name: R. Suryakant Sakhare
Presentation Title: Evaluation of the Impact of Queue Trucks with Navigation Alerts Using Connected Vehicle Data
Abstract | Poster

Student Name: H. Wang
Presentation Title: Deploying Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Infrastructure on Highway I-275
Abstract | Poster


Student Name: Y. Zhang
Presentation Title: Making Crosswalks Smarter: Using Sensors and Learning Algorithms to Safeguard Heterogenous Road Users
Abstract | Poster

Student Name: C. Zhou
Presentation Title: Long-Range Attack Towards Depth Estimation based Obstacle Avoidance in Autonomous Systems
Abstract | Poster