Helia Mohammadi Mavi

PhD in Transportation Engineering

LinkedIn

About

Highly accomplished PhD candidate in Transportation Engineering with robust experience spanning advanced research, collegiate-level teaching, and practical industry application. Passionate about driving sustainable mobility solutions, I leverage expertise in econometric modeling, machine learning, and data visualization to inform strategic planning and optimize transportation systems. Proven leader and collaborator, adept at communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and delivering high-impact projects.

Work Experience

Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University

Aug 2022 - May 2026

State College, PA, US

Led interdisciplinary transportation research at Penn State, integrating machine learning and econometric modeling to advance sustainable mobility solutions and generate high-impact publications.

  • Conducted comprehensive transportation research, integrating machine learning, econometric/statistical analysis, survey design, EV planning, ridership prediction, and travel behavior modeling to inform policy recommendations.
  • Managed and analyzed large-scale datasets, producing detailed technical reports and contributing to multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • Focused dissertation on promoting behavioral shifts towards sustainable transportation through customized interventions, demonstrating expertise in advanced modeling and real-world application.

Transportation Engineering/Planning Intern

Kittelson & Associates, Inc.

May 2025 - Aug 2025

Portland, OR, US

Analyzed transit service and travel data for Kittelson & Associates, developing Python/GIS tools to inform local and regional planning and contribute to long-range EV forecasts.

  • Analyzed complex transit service, travel patterns, and survey data to inform and enhance local and regional transportation planning initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented Python/GIS tools for advanced service evaluation and data visualization, improving analytical capabilities and reporting efficiency.
  • Supported critical traffic impact studies by performing trip generation, safety analysis, and comprehensive reporting, contributing to long-range EV and hydrogen adoption forecasts.

Teaching Assistant, Highway Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University

Aug 2024 - Dec 2024

State College, PA, US

Delivered comprehensive lab materials and instruction for highway engineering courses at Penn State, facilitating student understanding and project completion.

  • Prepared and delivered engaging lab materials, effectively guiding students through assignments and projects in highway engineering.
  • Taught core highway design concepts, including AutoCAD, Civil3D, cost estimation, earthwork, and safety analysis, enhancing student technical proficiency.
  • Instructed students on traffic flow and capacity analysis using Highway Capacity Software (HCS), ensuring practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Co-Instructor and Academic Advisor

OmranPayeh Higher Education Institution

Apr 2021 - Aug 2021

Tehran, Iran

Instructed undergraduate courses in structural analysis and strength of materials at OmranPayeh while providing academic guidance to over 200 students.

  • Taught undergraduate courses in Structural Analysis and Strength of Materials, delivering foundational knowledge.
  • Provided academic advising and comprehensive support to over 200 students, guiding them through coursework and career planning.
  • Developed supplementary course materials and facilitated interactive learning sessions, contributing to enhanced student comprehension and success.

Front End Developer

Meghyas Data Visualization Company

Apr 2021 - Aug 2021

Tehran, Iran

Developed interactive data visualizations and enhanced user interfaces, significantly improving UI/UX through JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Vue.js, and Nuxt.js.

  • Built interactive data visualizations utilizing JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Vue.js, and Nuxt.js, significantly improving user interface and experience.
  • Collaborated with design and backend teams to integrate front-end components, ensuring seamless functionality and aesthetic appeal.
  • Optimized web application performance and responsiveness across various devices, enhancing user engagement.

Education

Transportation Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University

3.95/4.0

Aug 2022 - May 2026

State College, PA, United States

Transportation Engineering

Sharif University of Technology

3.63/4.0

Sep 2019 - Aug 2022

Tehran, Iran

Civil Engineering

Shahid Beheshti University

3.56/4.0

Sep 2015 - Aug 2019

Tehran, Iran

Volunteer

Vice President

ITE Penn State Student Chapter

Jan 2025 - Dec 2026

Leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the ITE Penn State Student Chapter, fostering professional development and community engagement.

  • Provided leadership and strategic direction to the ITE Penn State Student Chapter, overseeing key initiatives and member engagement.
  • Collaborated with chapter officers to plan and execute events, workshops, and networking opportunities for students in transportation engineering.
  • Represented the chapter in university and external forums, promoting student involvement and the field of transportation engineering.

Web Manager & Communications Officer

ITE Penn State Student Chapter

Jan 2023 - Dec 2025

Managed online presence and communication strategies for the ITE Penn State Student Chapter, enhancing member engagement and information dissemination.

  • Developed and disseminated communication materials, including newsletters and social media updates, to engage members and the broader community.

Outreach Chair

Mid-Colonial District Student Leadership Summit

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024

Led outreach efforts for the 2024 Mid-Colonial District Student Leadership Summit, fostering participation and engagement.

  • Chaired outreach initiatives for the 2024 Mid-Colonial District Student Leadership Summit, successfully engaging a broad audience.
  • Coordinated promotional activities and communications to maximize student participation in the leadership summit.
  • Facilitated connections with various stakeholders to ensure the successful execution and impact of the summit.

Skills

Data Visualization & Reporting

  • Interactive Data Dashboards
  • GIS Mapping
  • Technical Report Writing
  • Presentation at National Conferences

Data Analysis & Econometrics

  • Python
  • R
  • SPSS
  • NLOGIT
  • LISREL
  • AMOS
  • Econometric Modeling (Difference-in-Differences, Panel Models)
  • Machine Learning (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, SVM, Clustering)

Transportation Engineering Software

  • Civil 3D
  • AutoCAD
  • ArcGIS
  • Highway Capacity Software (HCS)
  • PTV Vistro
  • TCQSM Methods

Web Development & Programming

  • JavaScript
  • HTML/CSS
  • Vue.js
  • Nuxt.js
  • GitHub
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • Google Colab

Transportation Research

  • Travel Behavior Modeling
  • EV Adoption Forecasting
  • Transit Ridership Prediction
  • Traffic Impact Studies
  • Survey Design
  • Data Analysis

References

Andisheh Ranjbari

Assistant Professor, The Pennsylvania State University, Phone: 814-863-4291, Email: [email protected]