Dr. Patricia Mokhtarian Delivers 2025 Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture

On Thursday, February 13, CEE had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Patricia Mokhtarian to give the 2025 Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture in Civil & Environmental Engineering. This annual lecture honors the legacies of Frank E. (Bill) Richart Jr. and Richard D. (Dick) Woods, two significant figures in soil dynamics and geotechnical engineering whose contributions continue to shape the field today.

Mokhtarian presents lecture to CEE students, factulty and staff.

Dr. Mokhtarian, a renowned expert in travel behavior research and a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, presented the lecture titled “How Much Do Attitudinal Variables Improve Travel Demand Models?” Her research explores the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating attitudinal variables into regional travel demand forecasting models, demonstrating how behavioral insights can refine transportation planning and policy development.

With over 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Mokhtarian has authored nearly 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and has been recognized with numerous awards, including election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2024. Her research topics include the impact of telecommunications on travel behavior, residential self-selection in land use and transportation interactions, and the psychology behind travel decision-making.

CEE Graduate Student asks a question during lecture Q&A session

Following the lecture, students and faculty members engaged in a lively discussion about the implications of Dr. Mokhtarian’s work for future mobility planning. The event concluded with a reception in the Blue Lounge, where faculty, students, and professionals continued their conversations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Mokhtarian for sharing her expertise and advancing the dialogue on travel behavior research. The Richart-Woods Distinguished Lecture once again provided an opportunity for students and professors to exchange ideas and explore the evolving landscape of civil and environmental engineering. We look forward to continuing the legacy of knowledge and innovation in the years to come.