Wayne State University - United States
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Mr. Bedan Khanal embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Jain University, Bangalore, India. His undergraduate thesis, supervised by Prof. Dimple Bahri, focused on the "Comparative Study on Structural Behavior and Effects of Thermal Treatment on Conventional Concrete and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete." During his undergraduate years, he also engaged in extensive surveys and projects in various branches of civil engineering, showcasing his practical skills and leadership as a student team leader.
Continuing his academic pursuit, Khanal pursued a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Engineering from Wayne State University (WSU), Detroit. Under the guidance of Dr. Steven M. Lavrenz, he conducted a thesis titled "Surrogate Measures of Road Safety: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with Traditional Risk Factors and Operating Characteristics at Signalized Intersections." This research demonstrated his proficiency in analyzing road safety parameters, a precursor to his subsequent endeavors in transportation safety.
Professional Endeavors
Since August 2019, Bedan Khanal has served as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) at the Transportation Research Lab (TRL) of Wayne State University. His work primarily revolves around transportation research, focusing on highway safety, design, and planning. His recent projects include applications of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in enhancing highway safety and analyzing transportation data for improved planning.
Khanal's passion for academia extends beyond research, as evident from his role as a Visiting Instructor for CE 4850 Engineering Economics. In this capacity, he demonstrated his pedagogical skills by instructing undergraduate students, preparing lecture materials, and facilitating class discussions.
Contributions and Research Focus On Innovation in Data Analysis Award
Mr. Bedan Khanal's primary research focus lies in transportation safety and operations, particularly in the domain of highway safety. His Ph.D. dissertation titled "Novel Approach for Transportation Data Analysis" underscores his commitment to developing innovative methodologies for analyzing transportation data to enhance safety measures. Moreover, his contributions to publications such as "Heterogeneity in Crash Data" and "Safety Assessment of Suburban Type Arterial Roadways" reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in transportation safety.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Khanal has actively contributed to professional organizations such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the Nepalese Student Association at Wayne State University. His roles as Treasurer of the ITE Wayne State University Student Chapter and President of the Nepalese Student Association demonstrate his leadership skills and commitment to fostering a sense of community among students.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Bedan Khanal has garnered several accolades and scholarships, highlighting his excellence in research and academic endeavors. Notable awards include the MI ITE Student Paper Award, Datta Endowment Award, and Global Experiences Endowed Award, underscoring his contributions to the field of transportation engineering.
Impact and Influence
Mr. Khanal's contributions to peer-reviewed journals and conferences, coupled with his role as a peer reviewer for esteemed platforms such as the Transportation Research Board Annual Meetings (TRBAM), signify his impact on the academic community. His research outputs not only contribute to advancing knowledge but also influence the discourse on transportation safety and operations.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Mr. Bedan Khanal's interdisciplinary research approach, bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, positions him as a key contributor to the field of transportation engineering. His legacy lies in his dedication to addressing real-world challenges in transportation safety and operations, thereby shaping future practices and policies in the field. As he progresses in his academic and professional journey, Khanal is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of transportation engineering, leaving a lasting legacy in the domain of transportation safety and operations.
Notable Publication