Allison Rewalt, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been named to the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Pedestrians (ACD18).
The Standing Committee on Pedestrians focuses on research and advancements to pedestrian transportation, including safety, accessibility, and mobility. Rewalt’s appointment is from August 16, 2025, through April 14, 2028.
“I am very excited to be selected for this role. It’s a great opportunity to learn from nationwide experts and help identify research needs,” said Rewalt, who is pursuing a PhD in transportation engineering after receiving her master’s degree from UT in 2025. “Having the chance to work alongside some of these people will really round out my experience while I finish graduate school. It’s going to be a great learning opportunity.”
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a program unit of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conducts other activities to solve the complex problems and inform public policy decisions.
Members of the technical committees serve as individuals, not as representatives of the organizations by which they are employed.
Rewalt’s graduate work is focused on pedestrians waiting and walking to and from bus stops. Her research aims to help ensure bus stops are put in locations where transit passengers can access them safely.
“I think I can bring a unique perspective to the committee, because it’s an area that’s fast-growing and starting to gain interest,” Rewalt said. “I also think as a graduate student on this committee, I can help with outreach. Given my little network of grad students at different schools, I can invite them to our meetings and grow the interest in our area.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (rpotkey@utk.edu)