Trine faculty member conducts interviews, research in KRI

A Trine University faculty member conducted several television interviews, collaborated in research and presented a traffic safety seminar during a trip to the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI) over the summer.

Hemin Mohammed, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Reiners Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was in the region from June 12 through Aug. 14 to participate in efforts aimed at improving transportation engineering and traffic safety.

The dean of the School of Engineering at Soran University, one of the KRI’s leading public universities, a Ph.D. classmate of Dr. Mohammed at the University of Kansas, invited him to the university to collaborate on a research project. The invitation to present the traffic seminar came as the result of a 2021 online transportation symposium Dr. Mohammed participated in.

The TV interviews came about through professional networks he has established in the region.

Traffic safety, parking issues

On June 27, he conducted an interview with Kurdsat TV, a Kurdish satellite channel based in the city of Sulaimany in the KRI. He discussed recent updates in the transportation engineering field and innovative techniques to enhance traffic safety.

“The conversation shed light on valuable insights for viewers and allowed us to share the advancements made in the industry,” he said.

On July 13, he collaborated with students from Soran University on a research project focused on resolving parking issues in downtown Soran, a city in the KRI near Erbil.

“The team’s findings were presented to the head of the Soran Independent Administration, who expressed appreciation for our efforts and results,” Dr. Mohammed said. “The presentation was well-received and will potentially be integrated into their downtown planning.”

Dr. Mohammed conducted a seminar on the Safe System Approach on July 20 for Slemani Governorate, a province in the KRI, and View Pioneer, an organization specializing in engineering consulting, architectural design and professional training. The Undersecretary of the region’s Ministry of Reconstruction and Housing participated in the event.

This Safe System Approach, implemented by developed nations, aims to enhance traffic safety. The seminar covered strategies for improving road safety in the region.

Global impact

The next day, he was interviewed by NRT TV, an independent media network in the KRI. He addressed traffic safety challenges in the KRI and shared valuable insights from his experience in the United States with managing these issues.

“This interview contributed to raising awareness about the importance of road safety and provided viewers with practical solutions and perspectives,” he said.

His final interview was on Aug. 1 with Rudaw TV's "Legel Ranj Show,” billed as the most-watched show in the KRI. Hosted by Ranj Sangawi, the show focuses on current affairs.

“During the interview, I discussed transportation improvement initiatives and traffic safety challenges in the KRI,” Dr. Mohammed said.  “The program aired on August 14, 2023, reaching a broad audience and generating discussions about vital transportation issues.”

Dr. Mohammed said he was glad to represent Trine University while presenting solutions to real-world challenges.

“These activities not only contributed to the field, but also provided an opportunity to promote Trine University's expertise and dedication to making a positive impact globally,” he said.