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ITS Midwest is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship: Sajjad Karimi, Hanieh Rastegar, and Amir Shafiee​ have been honored at the 2026 ITS Midwest Conference & Expo on September 22, 2026. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional promise in advancing sustainable mobility, data-driven transport solutions, and community-focused innovation. Their academic achievements, motivation and commitment align well with the goals of the ITS Gordon Paesani Scholarship.

Meet the 2026 Scholarship Winners

Sajjad Karimi, a Ph.D. candidate in Civil & Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Engineering from University of Louisville, impressed the selection committee with the technical knowledge showcased through his research and his commitment to transportation safety and innovation. His academic and research efforts have been centered on EMS transport reliability, using ITS to assist with roadway lighting inspection, micromobility systems (e-scooters)​. Sajjad’s long-term goal is to to build a career that combines research, innovation, and public impact. He wants to work with Departments of Transportation and technology-focused organizations to develop smarter infrastructure systems, safer road networks, and data-driven mobility solutions. He also aspires to become a professor, leading impactful research and mentoring students who will shape the transportation systems of tomorrow. Sajjad published several research papers and has been collaborating with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) on various projects.

Hanieh Rastegar, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago, was recognized for her academic preparation, research direction, and interest in transportation innovation. Her work combines mathematical rigor and computational creativity with policy relevance.  Hanieh shows a strong researcher profile in transportation electrification, charging infrastructure, autonomous mobility, and optimization-based fleet operations. Hanieh hopes to contribute to the next generation of ITS solutions in the Midwest and beyond. She is especially interested in technologies that support cleaner freight movement, more resilient EV infrastructure, smarter fleet operations, and more sustainable and responsive to real-world needs urban transportation systems.

Amir Shafiee is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago. Amir’s research stood out for his motivation, his technically strong doctoral research, and a clear commitment to improving transportation systems through intelligent and practical solutions. The focus of his research has been on designing and optimizing emerging last-mile delivery systems. Amir plans to continue working at the intersection of transportation engineering, operations research, and intelligent mobility technologies. He wants to help design ITS-based tools that support better decisions. His broader goal is to contribute to safer streets, cleaner freight operations, and more efficient urban mobility systems by developing new methods that help people and organizations make better use of transportation technologies. Amir presented his work at TRB, INFORMS Annual Meeting, ASCE International Conference on Transportation and Development (ICTD), and Forum for Innovative Sustainable Transportation Systems (FISTS)​.

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Scholarship Recipients Testimonials

ITS Midwest Scholarship recipients share how they will put their awards to work and what carrying the Gordon Paesani scholarship legacy means to them.
Explore their reflections

Scholarship Selection and Recognition

The scholarships were awarded following a competitive review process involving collegiate performance, quality of short essay, academic or professional references, and industry interest and consistency with ITS Midwest Goals. Each recipient received financial support ($2,000) and access to invaluable networking opportunities through the ITS Midwest community.

“Driving the future of mobility, these scholars are combining advanced engineering with intelligent technology to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems. They represent the next generation of innovators transforming how the world moves.” said Sara Senger, Scholarship Program Chair. 

Powered by Applied Information (through ITS America)

This year’s scholarships were made possible through the generous support of Applied Information through ITS America. Applied Information is a leading developer of connected, intelligent transportation system (ITS) solutions designed to improve safety, reliability and mobility. Applied Information’s Glance Smart City Supervisory System™ platform allows cities to manage all their traffic and ITS assets on one easy-to-use web-based application.

Applied Information’s passion for empowering tomorrow's transportation innovators and thought leaders has driven ITS Midwest's ability to champion three exceptional students with the Gordon Paesani Scholarship. Thank you, Applied Information!

Gordon Paesani Scholarship
For more information about the ITS Midwest Gordon Paesani Scholarship or to learn how to apply for 2027, visit itsmidwest.com/Scholarships.