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ITS Midwest is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship: Amin Golkarfard, Danesh Hosseinpanahi, and Habbit Maharjan have been honored at the 2025 ITS Midwest Conference & Expo on September 24, 2025. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional promise in advancing sustainable mobility, data-driven transport solutions, and community-focused innovation. Their academic achievements and commitment perfectly align with ITS Midwest’s goals.

Meet the 2025 Scholarship Winners

Amin Golkarfard, a Ph.D. student 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 advancing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) through projects focused on emerging technologies, infrastructure sensing, and data-driven analysis. Amin’s long-term goal is to build cost-effective tools that help transportation agencies adopt advanced technologies. He published several research papers and has been collaborating with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) on various projects.

Danesh Hosseinpanahi, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago, was recognized for his academic excellence, innovative systems-level thinking, and commitment to sustainable and equitable transportation. His transportation engineering research shows strong potential: Danesh has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar and researcher and he published several research papers. His undergraduate and graduate research experience covers Connected Vehicle technologies, routing and modelling based research. His work not only improves operational efficiency but also prioritizes environmental responsibility and equitable access—key pillars of sustainable transportation in the Midwest.

Habbit Maharjan is an undergraduate in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Ohio University, currently pursuing a Masters degree with a primary focus on Transportation Systems Engineering. Habbit’s research stood out for his strong data analysis skills, thorough field evaluations, and practical, data-driven insights. The focus of his research has been on using ITS for work zone safety. He has microsimulation and statistical modelling experience. His approach is innovative and has demonstrated a long-term commitment to contribute to transportation advancement and emerging technologies.

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.

“These students represent the future of transportation innovation” said Sara Senger, Scholarship Program Chair. “Their research is bringing fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a deep commitment to solving the mobility challenges of tomorrow. As scholarship winners, they have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a passion for advancing sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation systems. Their work spans cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and green mobility solutions—laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient world.

Powered by Integrity Security Services (ISS)

This year’s scholarships were made possible through the generous support of Integrity Security Services (ISS). ISS has been established to provide best practice embedded security products and services for the protection of smart devices in all industries from cyber security attacks. ISS experience in cryptographic engineering and embedded development enables clients to assemble an exceptional team of experienced resources to meet their product needs.

ISS’ commitment to empowering the next generation of transportation innovator and lead thinkers has helped ITS Midwest to support not just one, but three students with the Gordon Paesani Scholarship!

“We’re proud to support students who are shaping the future of transportation,” said Murray Egan, Director of Sales at ISS.

Gordon Paesani Scholarship
For more information about the ITS Midwest Gordon Paesani Scholarship or to learn how to apply for 2026, visit itsmidwest.com/Scholarships.