Who are you? Describe yourself in a few words.
I’m Dr. Matt Dean, an assistant professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at UC Irvine and faculty affiliate within the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) since October 2023. My research focuses on the intersection of transportation and energy, with the goal of decarbonizing society through behavioral interventions and technological innovations. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, and biking, which help me recharge and stay focused on my work.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
Like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant challenge for me. I was studying at UT Austin when the pandemic disrupted in-person instruction and research. Coping with the isolation and stress of remote everything was difficult, but I adapted by using digital platforms and collaborating with researchers from other institutions. I expanded research collaborations beyond UT Austin, which I credit with strengthening my research.
What is your research about?
One of my current projects is with a student from the Urban Planning & Public Policy Department. We’re exploring a nascent business model in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations called Charging as a Service (CaaS). This model involves paying a monthly or annual subscription fee to a provider, rather than purchasing and installing equipment upfront. We are interviewing providers, electric utilities, and customers to understand their interactions and views of this model.
What inspired you for this career?
I’ve always had a knack for wayfinding and can recall, such as memorizing signals to know if a yellow light ahead meant I would lose out on a ‘green wave’, and if I’d be better off taking another parallel route. As I learned more about civil engineering, I saw how our work is more than just designing and building infrastructure. We can use zero-carbon technologies and help fight climate change while also mitigating the negative effects of these technologies on our power and transportation systems. Now, as a professor, I enjoy using my knowledge to make recommendations to policymakers, planners, and engineers to create a more sustainable future.
What made you choose UCI?
What drew me to UCI was the new hire position in integrated urban design engineering. I was excited by the prospect of bridging disciplinary boundaries and having the backing of a department to build collaborations and research studies that study multiple infrastructure systems. I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me. The department is also one of the best in the country, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of our programs.
How do you see the transportation field evolving in the next few years?
I would like to have an optimistic outlook, where we realize we need to move towards zero-carbon transportation to lessen the detrimental health and climate consequences caused by our travel behavior. I see the field evolving with slow, incremental changes: such as providing more opportunities to safely walk or bike and a phased-in approach of driving assist or even fully automated driving technologies. I hope our field will be inspired by even the most minor successes and will continue to research further changes toward safer, cleaner, and healthier travel choices.
Do you have any advice for current undergraduate students?
My advice would be to stay flexible and adaptable. I recommend undergraduate students shadow a civil engineering firm to get a sense of what day-to-day work looks like. Pursuing internships across different domains within the field can help you gain experience and refine your career goals. Exploring research opportunities, finding mentors, and leveraging the growing number of online resources can also complement your undergraduate degree and prepare you for a successful career in this exciting field.
