On September 17, 2026, students from Dr. Wissam Kontar's CIVE 361 course visited the Nebraska Transportation Center (NTC) to learn more about the technologies and facilities that support transportation research at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Kontar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The visit was coordinated with the assistance of Mr. Omid Armantalab, a graduate student in Transportation Systems Engineering.
The class was divided into three groups and rotated through several of NTC's research facilities, including the Half Cab miniSim, the truck driving simulator, and the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Laboratory.
During the tour, students learned how simulation and intelligent transportation technologies are used for transportation research. Several student volunteers had the opportunity to operate both simulators while their classmates observed demonstrations and discussed research applications.
The visit provided students with a firsthand look at the advanced technologies used by transportation researchers to investigate real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. By exploring the facilities and interacting with the equipment, students gained a deeper understanding of how transportation research is conducted and how emerging technologies are shaping the future of transportation.
The Nebraska Transportation Center thanks Dr. Wissam Kontar, Mr. Omid Armantalab, and the CIVE 361 students for visiting. NTC looks forward to continuing to connect students with transportation research, innovation, and career opportunities.
