Susan Shaheen

Shaheen’s research focuses on advancing sustainable transportation systems and shaping the future of mobility through shared, connected, and emerging transportation solutions. Her work examines emerging technologies and the energy/environmental aspects of transportation. Her research emphasizes understanding how new technologies, services, and policies can reduce environmental impacts, improve equity, and enhance system efficiency. It employs a range of methodological approaches, including survey design; innovative data collection methods (e.g., real-time and activity-based data); focus groups; expert interviews; and policy analysis tools such as impact assessment, benefit–cost analysis, and lifecycle assessment.

Her research lab, Innovative Mobility Research (IMR), is housed within the Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) as part of the Institute of Transportation Studies-Bereley, which she co-directs. IMR analyzes both existing transportation and land use options and emerging mobility concepts and technologies, including shared mobility, alternative fuel vehicles, automation, advanced air mobility, and data-enabled transportation services. A central focus of the lab is understanding how individuals and communities respond to transportation innovations—knowledge that is critical for informing public-sector decision-making and guiding responsible deployment in the marketplace. IMR’s work emphasizes the social, environmental, and equity implications of transportation systems with an eye to the future, including environmental justice and access for underserved populations.

IMR’s research also explores strategies to encourage public transit use and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicle travel, supporting broader goals related to climate mitigation, air quality improvement, and long-term energy sustainability. Collectively, this work contributes to designing transportation systems that are more resilient, inclusive, economically viable, and aligned with sustainability and decarbonization goals.

Shaheen’s research on carsharing, smart parking, and mobility for older adults has received national recognition. In May 2019, she received the Most Influential Paper Award from the World Conference on Transportation Research (awarded every three years) for her 2016 article in Transport Policy, “Just a Better Taxi? A Survey-Based Comparison of Taxis, Transit, and Ridesourcing Services in San Francisco.” She received the Institute of Transportation Studies–Berkeley Faculty of the Year Award in December 2018 and the Roy W. Crum Award from the Transportation Research Board in 2017 for distinguished achievements in transportation research. In May 2016, she was named one of the top 10 academic thought leaders in transportation by the Eno Transportation Foundation, and she received UC Berkeley’s Excellence in Management Award in 2010 and 2007.