ASPIRE to Host First In-Person Annual Meeting at Utah State University

Oct. 13, 2022 — The ASPIRE Engineering Research Center at Utah State University is set to hold its first in-person annual meeting with stakeholders and industry partners from across the globe.

The event is scheduled for Oct. 17 through 19 to facilitate networking with center members, guests, students and researchers from nine affiliated universities and dozens of industry partners that make up ASPIRE.

Attendees will participate in three days of meetings and workshops on topics related to electrified transportation. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work at a poster session and technology expo the evening of Oct. 17 at the Electric Vehicle and Roadway Research Facility and Test Track in North Logan.

Members of the media are invited to attend Monday events and encouraged to interview students, faculty and industry representatives. Organizers say the annual meeting is an exciting opportunity to showcase ASPIRE and the future of electrified transportation.

“Since the launch of ASPIRE in September of 2020, the center has exceeded our expectations in research, growth and student engagement,” said Tallis Blalack, ASPIRE Managing Director. “We are excited to come together in person for the first time as a team to recognize the work and progress across the center and define the future direction of ASPIRE.”

ASPIRE is the nation’s first NSF-sponsored Engineering Research Center dedicated to advancing sustainable electrified transportation. The center is founded on a comprehensive research program with convergence and deep integration across disciplines in five core areas: transportation, adoption, power, equity and data.

This year, the annual meeting coincides with the National Science Foundation’s site visit. The dual-meeting format gives attendees opportunities for broader discussions and networking.

ASPIRE is one of only 15 Engineering Research Centers in the United States and the only one in the state of Utah. The center — officially named Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification — is focused on developing holistic solutions for the nation’s transportation and electric utility industries.

“Oil prices continue to adversely impact household budgets, and vehicle emissions affect air quality and public health,” said Regan Zane, ASPIRE Center Director. “We have a unique opportunity to reimagine our nation’s transportation and electric grid utilities and create a more equitable and sustainable future.”

More information about ASPIRE and its annual meeting can be found at aspire.usu.edu.