Dr. Alex Bigazzi, a faculty member in the UBC Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Community and Regional Planning, has received tenure and been promoted to Associate Professor.
Tenureship recognizes exceptional faculty members for their distinguished scholarship, dedication to teaching and mentorship, and exemplary service to the University in helping achieve its vision as a globally influential institution.
In so doing, Dr. Bigazzi is “helping create an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, promotes the values of a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research,” said UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa J. Ono in a statement.
Dr. Bigazzi’s research on transportation engineering and planning have made significant contributions to his field. He has persuasively challenged long-standing conventional beliefs on the impact of traffic congestion on the environment—showing that reducing congestion by raising vehicle speeds tends to increase total emissions.
Dr. Bigazzi’s current research focuses on advancing our understanding of how human energy expenditure influences urban travel behaviour. Through his research, he explores the integration of e-bikes into the urban transport system and challenges stereotypes of urban cyclists as roadies on racing bicycles. He is also interested in designing cycling facilities for users with varying physical capabilities.
Inspired by the idea that truly sustainable transportation engineering and planning are possible, Dr. Bigazzi founded the UBC Research on Active Transportation (REACT) Lab, through which he leads a group of students on research on utilitarian bicycle and pedestrian travel analysis and modeling.
“Dr. Bigazzi has demonstrated exceptional dedication, generosity and innovation in his service to UBC and the broader civil engineering community, as well as for teaching, mentoring, and nurturing our students. I am absolutely delighted by this announcement,” said UBC Civil Engineering Department Head Bernard Laval.
Dr. Bigazzi received his PhD in Civil Engineering in 2014 from Portland State University. He currently teaches graduate and undergraduate course in transportation engineering, urban engineering, pedestrian and bicycle facility design, and more. He mentors masters, PhD, and undergraduate students through his research group. Learn more about his research on his Faculty Profile.