Samer Madanat Honored for his 9 Years as ITS Director

Faculty, researchers, students, and staff gathered to celebrate Professor Samer Madanat's 9 years as Director of Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies. Madanat, who has served as CEE Department Chair since 2012, stepped down as ITS Director on June 30.

CEE Professor and incoming ITS Director Alexandre Bayen praised Madanat for his leadership, vision and perseverance. Madanat created new research centers that were before their time. Most notable among these is the Transportation Sustainability Research Center, where researchers focus on alternative fuels and vehicles as well as new modes of transportation like bikesharing and carsharing.

Bayen also noted Madanat’s success in developing a $6.5 million multi-campus research program initiative in the area of transportation sustainability, as well as his work evaluating the controversial California high-speed rail program for the state legislature.

When Madanat took the podium, he praised Laura Melendy, ITS Assistant Director, and Steven Campbell, former ITS Assistant DIrector, for their hard work during his tenure as Director. ITS Interim Directors Professor Michael Cassidy and Professor Joan Walker were also thanked.

"Because of their efforts, I got to do the fun things," said Madanat.

See Former ITS Director Samer Madanat Honored (ITS News)

Published