ABQ Times

Dimitri Kittrell, a first-year student at the University of New Mexico (UNM), is set to participate in the Research for Inclusivity and Driving Equity Research Experiences for Undergraduates (RIDE REU) program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this summer. Kittrell, who recently completed his freshman year in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, will join other students in community-engaged research aimed at improving transportation for underserved communities.

The RIDE REU program offers an interdisciplinary approach, involving fields such as civil engineering, health policy, industrial engineering, information management, legal studies, psychology, and regional planning. Participants receive a stipend, housing, travel expenses, professional development seminars, and field trips to places like the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The program runs from June 3 through August 2.

The initiative aims to address transportation disparities that affect underserved groups by enhancing mobility and access to essential services like employment, education, healthcare, and social engagement. Kittrell will collaborate with faculty members at the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety under the guidance of Nick Ferenchak.

Kittrell expressed his enthusiasm for working on transportation improvements. “I’m invested in transportation. I see it as a physical way of connecting people to resources,” he said. He looks forward to exploring areas such as AI applications in trucking and methods to prevent crashes.

Kittrell chose UNM due to its unique opportunities at an R1 university and strong scholarship benefits. He also cited personal connections to New Mexico as a factor in his decision. Before college, he conducted research on gun violence during high school.

At UNM, Kittrell has found support through mentors like Jaimie Ritchie and professors such as Anjali Mulchandani. In addition to his summer research experience, he plans to continue working with Ferenchak on pedestrian safety projects in Albuquerque’s International District during the fall semester.

Looking ahead, Kittrell is considering graduate school but remains focused on making the most of his current opportunities. “I have a good group of people around me,” he said.