Message from WMU's Vice President of Research

Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy

On behalf of President Edward Montgomery and the Western Michigan University community, it is my privilege to welcome you to the sixth annual Summer Conference on Livable Communities. We are pleased to host this year’s conference, which explores the idea of smart mobility in our communities.

WMU places a high premium on sustainability. From solar panels housed near the engineering park to electric vehicle refueling stations, we are committed to building a campus community that is respectful to, and driven by, sustainable practices. Our goal is to ensure that our students, faculty and visitors may walk and ride bikes safely, in addition to ride sharing on public transportation. Our researchers and the leadership of the Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities are a key part of that commitment. As such, we are pleased this conference focuses on cleaner, safer, and more efficient modes of smart transportation, be they bikes, autonomous cars, or other modes we rent or share. It goes without saying that these shifts in mobility are evolving the concept of ownership as it relates to mobility, and interdisciplinary research efforts play a role in all of this.

The 4th industry revolutionary technologies that help drive these changes inspire the many students who are contributing to this work. And it is the interdisciplinary research partnerships between our organizations that are critical to address the needs of our communities. I am sure you’ll find their work impactful and that you will make connections to advance each of your research programs. 

Thank you for joining us in exploration of what the future holds, and thank you to our sponsors for their support to make this event possible.

Best regards,

Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, Vice President for Research
Western Michigan University