Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC)

10/15/2026

Civil & Environmental Engineering 150th Anniversary Seminar Series | October 30, 2026

Urban transportation is transforming through advances in artificial intelligence, automation, connectivity, electrification and emerging mobility services. This seminar with Dr. Khaled Abdelghany from SMU explores interactions among transportation demand, emerging mobility services and intelligent infrastructure, highlighting work in AI-enabled traffic management, Digital Twins, on-demand mobility, autonomous systems and advanced air mobility.

📍 Attend in person or via Zoom.
📅 Learn more here: https://events.unl.edu/ntc/2026/10/30/203472/

10/09/2026

We're proud to share that MATC Director Aemal J. Khattak will present today's Transportation Engineering Seminar, "Effects of Bridge Width on Crashes in Nebraska." The presentation examines how bridge width relates to crash frequency and severity using Nebraska bridge and crash data. Join us at 10:50 a.m. CT in Kiewit Hall A510 or via Zoom.

Learn more: https://events.unl.edu/ntc/2026/10/09/203327/

Transportation Engineering Seminar | October 9, 2026

Reminder: Join this week's Transportation Engineering Seminar with Dr. Aemal Khattak examining the relationship between bridge width and crash occurrence in Nebraska. Using a GIS-enhanced database of bridge and crash records, the study evaluates whether narrower, equal-width, or wider bridges experience different safety outcomes. Attendees will learn how Relative Bridge Width may help identify locations for further engineering assessment.

📍Attend in person or via Zoom
📅Learn more here: https://events.unl.edu/ntc/2026/10/09/203327/

10/06/2026

Transportation Engineering Seminar | October 9, 2026

How does bridge width influence roadway safety? This seminar by Dr. Aemal Khattak, Director of the Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC) and Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering, examines a study that paired bridge inventory data with crash records from 2020–2024 to investigate the relationship between bridge width and crash outcomes. Using a GIS-based approach, researchers evaluated crash patterns on bridge decks and transition zones and found that narrower bridges were associated with higher crash frequencies. The findings offer a practical tool for identifying locations that may warrant additional engineering review.

📍Attend in person or via Zoom
📅Learn more here: https://events.unl.edu/ntc/2026/10/09/203327/

09/15/2026

Congratulations to our Director, Dr. Aemal Khattak, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, on securing research funding for a new transportation project!

Congratulations to Dr. Aemal Khattak, Director of the Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC), on receiving new research funding! We look forward to the impact this work will have on advancing transportation solutions for Nebraska.

08/26/2026

Celebrate 150 Years of Civil Engineering at UNL!

Calling all alumni, former faculty, and students! Join us as we celebrate 150 years of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and honor a legacy of innovation, impact, and achievement on April 16-17, 2027.

Learn more and register: https://go.unl.edu/cee150

07/09/2026

🚛 Still Looking for CDL Drivers to participate in research!

CDL drivers can participate in a 30-minute simulator study at UNL and receive a $200 gift card. Flexible scheduling, truck parking available, and your participation will help improve transportation research.

Learn more and sign up: https://go.unl.edu/cdlstudy

06/19/2026

The success of the MATC STEM Academy was made possible by the collaboration of outstanding partners who provided meaningful experiences throughout the week.

From UNL's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Nebraska Innovation Campus' Innovation Studio, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, their support created hands-on learning opportunities that inspired the next generation of STEM leaders!

06/18/2026

On the final day of the STEM Academy, students visited University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries' Love Library where they learned how to map the plants in UNL's Indigenous Garden with Dr. Gabriel Bruguier.

Students completed the program, received certificates, and left with new skills, connections, and insights into future careers!

06/17/2026

Students spent day 4 of the STEM Academy exploring Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, experiencing science in a unique, real-world setting. From ecosystems to animal habitats, the visit highlighted how STEM is applied across conservation and environmental systems.

The day concluded with a formal dinner with a keynote address from Dr. Jennifer Nelson, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and an opportunity to explore University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall!

06/16/2026

Day 3 of the STEM Academy focused on real-world learning as students visited the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center to study ecosystems, biodiversity, and water quality.

They later traveled to Nebraska Innovation Campus, where they toured the facilities, explored robotics, built wind turbines, and practiced welding in a simulator.