Angelina Caggiano Named 2026 CUTC Student of the Year

Student Life
Angelina Caggiano receives award

We are proud to share that the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) has named Angelina Caggiano of the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) as a recipient of the 2026 Student of the Year Award. On behalf of the New England University Transportation Center (NEUTC), Angelina was recognized alongside outstanding transportation students from across the country at the 2026 CUTC Winter Meeting & Annual Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C. this January. The award highlights students from University Transportation Centers (UTCs) whose work demonstrates excellence in research, leadership, and service to the transportation profession.

Angelina is a third-year graduate student and Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering at UMass. Her research centers on pedestrian safety, with a particular focus on understanding how drivers and pedestrians interpret and interact with mid-block crossing treatments.

Her work combines naturalistic data collection and qualitative analysis to study user behavior at pedestrian crossings, including Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. By developing models that incorporate both infrastructure design features and behavioral factors, her research advances our understanding of how crossing systems function in real-world settings. This work supports national safety initiatives such as the National Roadway Safety Strategy, Vision Zero, and Safe System adoption, and has generated notable media interest.

Beyond her research contributions, Angelina is a dedicated leader and adviser. She mentors undergraduate researchers, leads collaborative research teams, and plays an active role in student professional organizations at UMass. Her commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service reflects her strong engagement with both research and the broader transportation community.

As a 2026 CUTC Student of the Year honoree, Angelina is recognized for her exceptional scholarship, leadership, and commitment to improving transportation safety. She represents the very best of the next generation of transportation professionals.

This story was first published by the New England University Transportation Center.

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