Shan Bao graduated from the University of Iowa in 2009, with her Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (human factors option). During her time at the University of Iowa, she worked in the Human Factors and Statistical Modeling (HFSM) lab in the College of Engineering where she did research on automotive human factors with Professors Linda Boyle, John Lee, and Dan McGehee. She is currently an associate professor at the University of Michigan–Dearborn in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and as an associate research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Her current work focuses on human factors issues related to automated vehicle technology development.

What was your role as a student participating in driver-related research?

I was a graduate student research assistant working on older driver behavior and workload in the HFSM lab, directed by Dr. Linda Boyle. 

What advice would you give to current College of Engineering students? 

The University of Iowa has awesome academic programs, great faculty, and staff members, and is full of opportunities for students. Take the opportunities as much as possible to learn, to practice, and to collaborate.  

What were a few highlights of your time at the University of Iowa? 

My six years at the University of Iowa were really precious since I had the best advisor, great labmates, and I also made a lot of lifelong friends.