Jorge Ugan, Ph.D., E.I.

Experience

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  University of Central Florida

  Jan 2018 - Aug 2023

  This study focused on collecting and analyzing drivers' images from vehicles in 15 cities across five states (Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, California). By fusing vehicle image data with speed limit and weather information, the research identified key factors within the visual environment that relate to speeding, such as the number of vehicles in the image, the percentage of streets, and the presence of buildings. The results provided a comprehensive understanding of how the visual environment influences driving speed, offering insights for designing safer roadways.Published in: Accident Analysis & Prevention Show less In this research, vehicle trajectory data from Seminole County, Florida, was collected and analyzed to understand individual factors contributing to speeding. The study involved fusing vehicle GPS coordinates with additional trip-related data and identifying variables such as time stopped at intersections and the percentage of commercial or residential areas traveled. The findings highlighted the specific factors influencing drivers' speeding behavior, contributing to a better understanding of traffic safety.Published in: IEEE OJ-ITS Show less This research project focused on enhancing bicycle safety by predicting bicycle exposure through crowd-sourced data from STRAVA, a popular fitness app. The study involved identifying and collecting data on various speed management countermeasures that could influence bicycle safety. Utilizing a specialized model, the research analyzed the effect of these speed management countermeasures on reducing bicycle crashes, providing valuable insights into improving cycling conditions in urban areas.Published in: Transportation Research Record Show less I contributed to several projects by assisting in various types of data collection, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the data gathered. I utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to effectively organize this data, making it accessible and usable for conducting statistical models. Additionally, I led my own research project, leveraging data from Uber Movement to predict road segment congestion. This work provided valuable insights into traffic patterns and contributed to a better understanding of urban mobility challenges. Show less

  • Graduate Researcher (Drivers' Visual Environment)

    Aug 2022 - Aug 2023

  • Graduate Researcher (Drivers' Individual Journey)

    Aug 2021 - Aug 2022

  • Graduate Researcher (Reducing Speed on Arterials)

    Aug 2020 - Aug 2021

  • Graduate Researcher (Bicycle Safety)

    May 2020 - Aug 2020

  • Undergraduate Researcher

    Jan 2018 - Aug 2020
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  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), UCF Chapter

  Aug 2019 - Sept 2023

  President

  As the President of the University of Central Florida's Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Student Chapter, I played a pivotal role in revitalizing an organization that was previously inactive. I led efforts to re-engage students with the transportation field, fostering connections with industry professionals and creating opportunities for hands-on involvement. Under my leadership, the chapter experienced significant growth, becoming an active and thriving community where students could enhance their knowledge and career prospects in transportation engineering. Show less

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  Kisinger Campo & Associates, Corp. (KCA)

  Aug 2023 - May 2024

  Traffic Engineer

  I conducted a thorough analysis of crash data to identify and recommend safety enhancements for arterial roadways. These recommendations were meticulously aligned with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Florida Design Manual (FDM) standards, ensuring they met the highest safety and regulatory requirements.Additionally, I managed and developed comprehensive construction plans for several critical infrastructure components. This included highway signing, pavement markings, roadway lighting, signalization, and the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). My work contributed to creating safer and more efficient roadways, enhancing overall traffic management and safety. Show less

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  Florida International University - College of Engineering & Computing

  Jan 2025 - now

  Adjunct Professor

  As an Adjunct Professor at FIU, I teach TTE 4102 - Urban Transportation Planning, a course designed to expand students' knowledge in transportation engineering and planning. The curriculum builds on foundational principles from TTE 4201 - Transportation and Traffic Engineering and delves into advanced topics such as transportation planning, traffic operations, highway design, public transportation systems, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), road safety, environmental impacts, and sustainable transport strategies. Show less

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  Miami-Dade County DTPW

  Jan 2025 - now

  Traffic Engineer 2