MEDIA ADVISORY: UND signing ceremony with NDDOT to mark the opening of the Transportation Technology Research Institute

Media members welcome to attend UND’s celebration of partnership with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to develop and maintain a modern transportation system

Who: UND President Andrew Armacost, NDDOT Director Ronald Henke and TTRI Director and Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Sattar Dorafshan will attend the celebratory event

What: UND and NDDOT will hold a signing ceremony to formally celebrate the opening of the Transportation Technology Research Institute.

When: Feb. 27, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Upson I Building, Room 218

Background: In March 2020, UND entered into a partnership with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to improve the department’s efforts to develop and maintain a modern transportation system. On Monday, Feb. 27 from 2-3 p.m., the partnership and opening of the Transportation Technology Research Institute will be formally dedicated with a signing ceremony in the Upson I building, Room 218.

The initiative is divided into three focus areas: structures, materials and unmanned aerial systems. UND will lead the materials and UAS sections in coordination with NDDOT. NDDOT will lead the structures section and will select design projects for UND students.

The initiative will engage in transportation research for NDDOT as well as train a highly skilled workforce for the future. Undergraduate juniors and seniors, as well as graduate students, will participate in the initiative.

UND President Andrew Armacost will offer welcoming remarks at the event, after which Ronald Henke, NDDOT director, will speak. A signing will mark the occasion, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting. TTRI Director and Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Sattar Dorafshan will then speak, and the event will conclude after a reception.

Parking instructions

For those without State Fleet Vehicles or UND Parking Permits, Passport parking is available in the Parking Ramp, located at the intersection of University Avenue and Columbia Road. UND’s Campus Map and Parking Website has additional information about parking.

Questions

For questions, please contact Sattar Dorafshan, Director of the Transportation Technology Research Institute, at sattar.dorafshan@UND.edu

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