As we at ITS-Davis mourn, cherish, and honor the memory of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Tom Turrentine, the following tribute was graciously provided by his longtime research partner and friend, Dr. Kenneth Kurani.

The University and the Institute of Transportation Studies lost an inspirational leader, colleague, and friend when Dr. Tom Turrentine died unexpectedly on June 2 of a coronary event while on a mountain bike ride in the Forest of Nisene Marks—outdoors and active as was his wont. Tom retired from the University in 2018 having served since 2007 as the founding Director of the Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle (PH&EV) Center. He proved an empathetic and encouraging leader. Team-building through adventure, he invited colleagues, peers, and students to weave together intellectual and active, outdoor pursuits; many had the chance to join him to ski, or run, or rock climb, often in the high mountains he loved.

As a proponent of research-based policymaking, Tom guided the PH&EV Center through its formative years as the State of California’s premier center focused on electric vehicle markets and policy. Understanding the importance of varying policy contexts, he extended the Center’s reach around the globe founding the International Electric Vehicle Policy Council which presently counts members from fourteen nations. Under his guidance the PH&EV Center grew from a band of three to an internationally active team of nearly 30 students, staff, and researchers.

Prior to founding the PH&EV Center, Dr. Turrentine established a reputation over two decades at the Institute of Transportation Studies as an innovative researcher of household automotive purchase and use, especially with regards to environmental impacts, fuel economy, alternative transportation fuels, and electric vehicles. Tom was also a UC Davis alum, earning his PhD in Anthropology in 1994. As a Research Anthropologist, he foregrounded the marvelous variety of human behaviors in his study of consumers and their relationships to automobiles, energy, and the environment.

Tom leaves a legacy of innovative research, compassionate and effective leadership, a passion for life outdoors, and for finding ways for more people to appreciate and protect the places such activities are possible. For all this, his family was his greatest passion: his wife Pat and their daughter Sasha walked with Tom through life’s adventures. We admired and loved him; we remain inspired by his example.

Congratulations to the UC Davis masters and doctoral graduates of 2020 who have dedicated their studies to creating a more sustainable transportation future!  ITS-Davis is thrilled to honor and congratulate our scholars across multiple disciplines during this unusual and challenging time. Aside from their rigorous coursework, the class of 2020 has persevered in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning changed how graduates researched and interacted with one another, but it couldn’t stop their impressive pursuit of success.

Katrina Sutton, graduating with an MS in ITS-Davis’ Transportation Technology and Policy program, said the following about her five years working with ITS:

“I enjoyed everything–the people, the transportation mentality, the biking, the cars. I have been at ITS for 5 years and am going to miss everyone. I love checking on the chargers and checking out the cars that are charging. I will miss bothering and distracting the office and walking to Trader Joe’s for late-night study snacks and boba with Vaish & Claire.”

She added: “After graduation, I look forward to seeing more electric vehicles on the road and being part of that drive.”

Ben (Bingzheng) Xu, also graduating with an MS in Transportation Technology and Policy, shared his post-graduation plan, and it may involve a new family car:

“After I graduate, I am trying to find a job of course. Apart from that, since my parents are talking about replacing an old vehicle, I am also trying to persuade them to buy an EV to help to support the market!”

Yanlong Liang, graduating with a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, said the following about his experience at ITS: “As a student, I loved working together with the professors and the staff, united in our efforts to develop a sustainable and intelligent transportation system. The memories of my time at ITS will always be a great treasure for me.”

Raphael Isaac, graduating with a PhD in Transportation Technology and Policy, spoke about the positive mentorship he received during his program: “I worked with, and was mentored by, experts in their field, and now look forward to using that training to continue to shape the world with my developing expertise in this area, which remains as important as ever.”

Alex Sheldon, graduating with an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, voiced his appreciation for “getting to brush shoulders with and learn from some of the top transportation experts. I will miss the seminars and how easy it was to keep up with the latest and greatest in transportation research.”

Sheldon also mentioned his future plans: “After graduation, I am looking forward to starting my career in the utility industry and taking on some new outdoor adventures in my free time.”

Though we’re unable to gather and celebrate in person, ITS-Davis graduates deserve a virtual high-five. We’re confident that each of these young professionals will contribute to the bright future of renewable and accessible transportation for all.

Here’s a full list of ITS-Davis graduates:

From the Transportation Technology and Policy graduate program, the 2020 class includes: M.S. Bingzheng (Ben) Xu, M.S. Jin Guo, M.S. Katrina Sutton, Ph.D. Raphael Isaac, and Ph.D. Jamey Volker.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering 2020 graduates are: M.S. Saurabh Maheshwari, M.S. Alex Sheldon, M.S. Baihao Wang, M.S. Yifu Wu, and Ph.D Yanlong Liang.

Dear ITS-Davis Friends and Family,

We are heartbroken and angered by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police on May 25, as well as the recent murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other victims of racist violence in the United States.

Although many of us will never fully understand or know what it is like to experience prejudice and discrimination because of the color of our skin, we all can be a part of the solution working against racism. Please know, as your faculty and advisors, we are committed to listening and learning how ITS-Davis can move forward together.

As our programs and centers continue to bring students together from all over the world, we will strive to cultivate inclusion in our workplace and classrooms. We have a moral obligation to address inequality and racism within ITS-Davis and throughout our society, and as a first step it is imperative for us to come together and show solidarity with the black community. We must rededicate ourselves to the mission of creating a more accessible and equitable transportation future—one that serves all of our people.

We echo the statements of UC Davis Chancellor Gary May and the UC Office of the President and will do everything we can to support black students in our classes and members of the community.

Sincerely,

Dan Sperling, Susan Handy, Austin Brown, Gil Tal, Lew Fulton, Giovanni Circella, Yunshi Wang, Miguel Jaller, Lourdes Gomez, and Annemarie Schaaf

June 2, 2020, Davis, California—A study from the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis) shows that owners of Teslas with the partially automated “Autopilot” system tend to drive more than they did before having Autopilot, and several admit to multitasking while driving. Based on interviews of 36 Tesla owners, the study showed that partial automation decreases drivers’ experience of stress and road fatigue, making them more willing to drive in congestion and take longer trips. The reduced cost of running a battery electric vehicle may also have contributed to the increase in vehicle miles traveled.

The author of the study, Scott Hardman, Senior Researcher at the Plug-In Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center at ITS-Davis, said, “The study highlights the fact that partially automated vehicles can cause and are already causing changes in how people travel—similar to the changes that modeling studies predict for fully automated vehicles. But partially automated vehicles, unlike fully driverless cars, are already on the market and having an impact.”

The study points to a need for policies and vehicle designs that will decrease the negative impacts of partial automation—and, eventually, of full automation—on roadway congestion and the environment.

Some study participants mentioned that while using Autopilot they slept or used their phones for internet browsing, texting, and emailing. This raises a concern about safety when using partially automated systems.

Dr Hardman presented his research findings at a webinar on June 4, which can be viewed here. Also, a policy brief, which summarizes the study, and a full-length research report are available online.