Workshop Title:

Urban Evolution: Advancing Smart Transportation in the Age of Intelligent Cities

Date:

February 2nd, 2024 (CST)

Organizer:

Department of Management and Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords:

• Smart Transportation
• Intelligent Cities
• Urbanization
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Sustainable Practices
• Urban Infrastructure
• Technology Integration
• Green Transportation
• Policy & Regulation
• Collaborative Synergies

Workshop Chair:

Personal Bio:

Dr. Omar's Academic career has consistently focused on applied, industry-relevant cyber security, Data Analytics, machine learning, application of AI to cyber security and digital forensics research and education that delivers real-world results. He brings a unique combination of industry experience as well as teaching experience gained from teaching across different cultures and parts of the world. He has an established self-supporting program in machine learning application to cyber security. He has established a respectable research record in AI and cyber security exemplified in the dozens of published papers and book chapters that have gained recognition among researchers and practitioners (more than 272 Google scholar citations thus far). He is actively involved in graduate as well as undergraduate machine learning education including curriculum development and assessment.

Dr. Omar has recently published two books with Springer on Machine Learning and Cyber Security and has also published research with IEEE conference on Sematic Computing. Additionally, Dr. Omar holds numerous industry certifications including Comptia Sec+, ISACA CDPSE, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, and SANS Advanced Smartphone Forensics Analyst.

Dr. Omar has been very active and productive in both academia as well as the industry and he is currently serving as an associate professor of cyber security at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Workshop Description:

Background:

The dawn of the 21st century has seen an unparalleled shift towards urbanization. With over half the world's population now residing in cities, the challenges and opportunities presented by this urban shift have become central to global discourse. The "Urban Evolution" workshop emerges from this critical juncture. Recognizing that traditional transportation and city planning paradigms are no longer sustainable, pioneers from various sectors began collaborating to envisage a smarter urban future. Driven by advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable practices, this endeavor sought to harmonize transportation with city infrastructure. The workshop, therefore, serves as a nexus for these trailblazing ideas, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders. It stands not just as an event, but as a testament to humanity's commitment to a smarter, more sustainable urban existence.

Goal/Rationale:

The "Urban Evolution" workshop aspires to achieve several pivotal objectives:

1. Enlightenment: To enlighten participants about the transformative potential of integrating smart transportation into intelligent city frameworks.

2. Showcase Innovations: To demonstrate the latest advancements in autonomous vehicles, state-of-the-art transit systems, and other transportation technologies.

3. Promote Sustainability: To underscore the environmental and sustainability benefits of these innovations, emphasizing their role in creating eco-friendly urban landscapes.

4. Collaborative Visioning: To foster collaborative ideation among attendees, paving the way for envisioning the next generation of smart cities.

5. Safety and Efficiency: To highlight how smart transportation can enhance safety and operational efficiency within bustling metropolitan environments.

Through this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and inspiration needed to drive forward the mission of shaping sustainable, efficient, and intelligent urban futures.

Scope and Information for Participants:

Scope:

• Transportation Innovations: Covering the breadth of emerging technologies, from autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management systems to green transportation solutions.
• Urban Infrastructure: Exploring how cities can embed smart technology in infrastructure, enhancing living conditions, reducing environmental footprints, and managing resources effectively.
• Collaborative Synergies: Understanding how different urban systems can work in harmony, ensuring a smooth intersection of smart transportation and smart city designs.
• Policy and Regulation: Addressing the changing landscape of urban governance, emphasizing policies that cater to smart city transitions.

Information for Participants:

• Preparation: Familiarize yourself with foundational concepts of smart cities and transportation by accessing our pre-workshop reading list available on our website.
• Workshop Duration: The workshop will span two days, with each day comprising keynote sessions, breakout groups, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Networking Opportunities: Special sessions are designed to foster networking. It's a chance to meet industry leaders, innovators, and peers.

Venue:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, USA

VISA:

U.S. Visas (state.gov)

In order to ensure the information is correct and up to date, there may be changes which we are not aware of. And different countries have different rules for the visa application. It is always a good idea to check the latest regulations in your country. This page just gives some general information of the visa application.

US Visa Information

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions/conferences; settling an estate; or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism; visits with friends or relatives; medical treatment; and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

Application Items

If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must pay your $160 application fee and submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• One (1) 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) photograph taken within the last six months.
• If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Supporting Documents

• Invitation letter from business or school.
• Detailed CV or resume including a list of publications.
• Complete itinerary, including all meetings, conferences, and visits; include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your hosts.
• For other materials, please refer to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

NOTICE:

Should your application be denied, the organizing committee cannot change the decision of visa officer, nor will CONF-MSS engage in discussion or correspondence with the visa application center on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee CANNOT be refunded when the VISA application of individual being denied.

Attend in person:

If you want to attend the workshop on-site, please email the Conference Committee: info@confmss.org.