# REU Site: Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure Using Rail as a Living Laboratory

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $463,252

## Abstract

The United States faces growing challenges in maintaining and modernizing transportation infrastructure while addressing workforce shortages and rapidly evolving technologies. Rail transportation, one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable modes of freight and passenger movement, plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, national defense, and environmental sustainability. These challenges highlight the need for engineers equipped with interdisciplinary skills and knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, structural materials, smart sensing systems, and data-driven infrastructure management. This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at The Pennsylvania State University, Altoona will support 10 undergraduate students each year in a 10-week summer research program focused on smart and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Leveraging the nation’s only ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program in Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE), the program uses rail systems as living laboratories to provide interdisciplinary research experiences spanning civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and transportation engineering. Participants will work with faculty mentors, industry partners, and researchers affiliated with the Rail Center for Research Enhancing Shortline Transportation (Rail CREST), a federally funded initiative focused on strengthening shortline rail infrastructure and workforce development. Through mentored resear

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2547851
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Shihui Shen
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** RESEARCH EXP FOR UNDERGRADS, HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site
- **Estimated total:** $463,252
- **Funds obligated:** $463,252
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2026 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2547851

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2547851, REU Site: Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure Using Rail as a Living Laboratory. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2547851. Licensed CC0.

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