Rhonda Young Discusses Transportation Engineering April 24

Gonzaga News Service 

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Rhonda Kae Young, Ph.D., Gonzaga University professor of civil engineering, presents "Transportation Engineering: From Neighborhood Greenways to Driverless Interstates" at noon, Tuesday April 24. The event, the Greater Gonzaga Guild's Annual Luncheon, begins at 11:30 a.m., at the McCarthey Athletic Center's Herak Clubroom. The cost is $20 per person.

Young will discuss her research in preparing roadways for autonomous and connected vehicles. Professor Young leads Gonzaga's team in a seven-university collaboration with a $14 million, five-year U.S. Department of Transportation grant. Under her leadership, students explore the benefits of "connected" vehicles that monitor roadways and share information via short-range frequency. The future of connected vehicles (driverless or human-controlled) can alleviate traffic congestion, generate safety messages, signal poor road and weather conditions, and enhance trip planning.

Additionally, Young works with the city of Spokane and Gonzaga civil engineering students to plan the community's first "greenway" on Cincinnati Street. A "greenway" is a street with limited access that is designed for biking, pedestrians and public transportation.

Young worked for a decade as a consultant in the transportation industry. After completing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Oregon State University, she earned a Ph.D. and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington. Young has taught in Gonzaga's School of Engineering and Applied Science since 2015. 

The $20 luncheon fee includes a wine social beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and lecture from noon to 1 p.m.

Reservations Required: By noon Friday, April 20 to Katie McFarland at (509) 443-7228. 

The Greater Gonzaga Guild is dedicated to raising awareness of Gonzaga's scholarly and cultural contributions to the region. The Guild, which sponsors six public lectures each year, is open to all people interested in learning.

For more information, please contact Mary Joan Hahn, Gonzaga director of public and community relations, at (509) 313-6095.