Ruinan Wang

The N.E.T. Summer Camp 2024 was successfully held at NYU Shanghai from August 29 to 30, bringing together students from various universities to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore new research directions. Among the participants, three students, including Jie Wei, Yuanshuai Ou, and Wen Ma, chose Dr. Chen as their advisor.

On August 29, Jie Wei, a student from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Sharing of Meta-Heuristic Algorithms and Applications.” The session sparked active discussions among attendees, who engaged in an in-depth exploration of the potential of these algorithms to solve complex problems. The event continued on August 30 with an interactive group discussion session. Participants from various research groups introduced their respective research directions and future plans.

The N.E.T. Summer Camp 2024 successfully established a platform for academic growth, encouraging the exchange of ideas and collaborative learning among participants. The event at NYU Shanghai once again demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing research and innovation, while also giving participants a meaningful glimpse into the world of Ph.D. research studies.

From July 15 to 17, 2024, the 25th International Symposium on Transportation and Traffic Theory (ISTTT25) was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The symposium, organized by the University of Michigan and the University of California, Davis, attracted experts and scholars in transportation and traffic theory from around the world to discuss the latest research and technological advancements in the field.

Our research group had the privilege of attending this prestigious event, where Dr. Zhibin Chen and Yuhao Liu presented the opening keynote titled “Alleviating Bus Bunching via Modular Vehicles.” This study explores how the application of modular vehicles can optimize the operation efficiency of bus systems, mitigate the issue of bus bunching, and enhance the quality of public transportation services.

Conference Background

The International Symposium on Transportation and Traffic Theory has been dedicated to advancing the field of transportation and traffic theory since its inception in Warren, Michigan, in 1959. At that time, private car ownership was booming in the Western world, with the United States leading as a major automobile producer. Henry Ford’s vision of making cars affordable for anyone with a stable job was becoming a reality. Concurrently, the field of transportation and traffic theory was rapidly developing, with foundational research conducted by Robert Herman and his colleagues at the General Motors Research Laboratory.

Highlights of the Research Group’s Presentation

At ISTTT25, Dr. Zhibin Chen and Yuhao Liu’s presentation garnered significant attention. Their research, based on a deep understanding of existing bus system issues, proposes an innovative method to alleviate bus bunching through the use of modular vehicles. By flexibly dispatching modular vehicles, it is possible to more effectively manage passenger flow variations during peak hours, reduce the excessive concentration of buses on the same route, and thus improve overall operational efficiency.

Significance of the Research

The introduction of modular vehicles not only provides greater flexibility and adaptability to bus systems but also offers important insights for the development of future intelligent transportation systems. With the continuous advancement of autonomous driving technology, modular vehicles are expected to play a larger role in urban transportation, offering passengers more convenient and efficient travel options.

Conclusion

Our research group is honored to have participated in ISTTT25 and grateful to the organizers for providing this valuable platform to share our research findings and exchange ideas with global peers. This presentation not only showcased our latest research progress but also provided new perspectives for further promoting the application of modular vehicles in public transportation. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to research in transportation and traffic theory, looking forward to bringing more innovations and breakthroughs to future conferences.

About the Research Group

Our research group is dedicated to the study of transportation system optimization, intelligent transportation technologies, and sustainable transportation development. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methods, we aim to address major challenges in the field of transportation and contribute to the development of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent transportation systems.

The N.E.T. Summer Camp establishes a platform for academic and scientific exchange, and gives participants a taste of Ph.D. research studies. During the summer camp, students will have opportunities to meet with professors in different research areas, receive professional guidance from experienced research mentors, interact with current N.E.T. program students, prepare graduate school application materials, and practice presentation skills for a general audience.

Who are eligible?

The Summer Camp welcomes Master’s program students who want to pursue Ph.D. training in China, including current master’s program students and those who have already obtained master’s degree. Priority will be given to students planning to apply for Ph.D. programs for September 2025. Applicants should have strong academic records with courses in physics, transportation planning and management, data science, neuroscience, statistics, or related disciplines.

Date: August 29-30, 2024
Venue: NYU Shanghai
Language: Chinese/English

*Participants are highly encouraged to attend the Summer Camp in Shanghai. Online option might be open for those who cannot attend in person.

How to apply?

Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF document to shanghai.research.partnerships@nyu.edu using the subject line format: “NET Summer Camp 2024_Student Name (last, first)”.

• Application Form (Must select one faculty advisor for interaction during the summer camp. The list of advisors can be found below.) 
• Resume + Personal Statement; or CV (applicants can briefly mention projects in CV, in that case personal statement is not needed)
• Transcript (for bachelor’s degree + master’s degree program)
• a Research Proposal (new study based on a critical review of selected papers, existing research in current lab research, or follow-up studies of finished or ongoing own projects)
• an Abstract of Current Research (published, or close to finished projects, or ongoing projects with expected outcomes)
• Optional – paper (published, under review or in preparation; please provide no more than 3 papers)

Application deadline: July 31, 2024

Application materials will be accepted in English or Chinese. 

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From June 26 to 29, 2024, the World Transport Convention (WTC) was grandly held in Qingdao, Shandong. This convention attracted experts, scholars, and industry professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and future trends in transportation technology. Since its inception in 2017, WTC has become an influential international academic conference and exhibition platform in the field of transportation.

At this year’s conference, Dr. Zhibin Chen and Ruinan Wang from the laboratory presented the latest research findings of their team. Ruinan Wang delivered two significant reports, namely “Mining and Optimization of Electric Vehicle Charging Queue Time: A Case Study of Shanghai” and “Study on Charging Behavior Characteristics of Electric Vehicles in Different Usage Scenarios.” In the first report, “Mining and Optimization of Electric Vehicle Charging Queue Time: A Case Study of Shanghai,” Ruinan Wang deeply analyzed the issue of electric vehicle charging queues in Shanghai and proposed an optimization strategy based on mobile charging vehicles, providing valuable recommendations for improving urban electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In the second report, “Study on Charging Behavior Characteristics of Electric Vehicles in Different Usage Scenarios,” the research explored the differences in electric vehicle charging behaviors under various usage scenarios. These findings offer scientific insights for the planning and management of electric vehicle charging networks.

This conference was not only an academic feast but also a vital platform for industry exchange. By showcasing and discussing cutting-edge technology, WTC injected new momentum into the development of the global transportation industry.