Larry Head

Larry Head is a Professor in the Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona, College of Engineering. He serves as Director of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program and is a Member of the Graduate Faculty. His extensive leadership roles include former Interim Dean of Engineering and Director of the Transportation Research Institute. He is actively engaged in transportation policy as a member of the Arizona Governor’s Task Force for Self-Driving Vehicles.

Education:

• PhD in Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona
• MS in Systems Engineering, University of Arizona
• BS in Systems Engineering, University of Arizona

Larry Head's research centers on intelligent and connected transportation systems, with a strong focus on cyber-physical systems, adaptive traffic signal control, and urban traffic operations. His work integrates real-time data from connected and automated vehicles to optimize traffic flow, improve intersection safety, and support multi-modal transportation. He also contributes significantly to engineering education, teaching courses in systems engineering, simulation, and financial modeling.

His recent publications (2014–2022) demonstrate a consistent trajectory in leveraging connected vehicle technology for adaptive signal control, pedestrian safety, and traffic efficiency. Key themes include priority control for emergency and freight vehicles, smooth progression modeling, and data-driven safety assessment. The research spans disciplines such as transportation engineering, machine learning, and cyber-physical systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Trevor O. Jones Outstanding Paper Award (2021)
• Exceptional Paper Award, TRB Traffic Signal Systems Committee (2017)
• 2016 Best ITS Implementation Project
• 2016 Member of the Year, ITS Arizona
• da Vinci Fellow, College of Engineering
• D. Grant Mickle Award for Outstanding Paper
• Best Dissertation Advisor Award, COTA

Larry Head has advised numerous graduate students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. He has secured significant research funding in intelligent transportation systems, though specific grants are not listed. His professional service includes editorial work for Transportation Research – Part C and leadership in TRB, SAE, IEEE, and other societies. He leads research initiatives at the ATLAS Research Center and collaborates on interdisciplinary transportation projects.

He is an active member of several research teams focused on connected vehicle systems, traffic safety, and urban mobility. His lab work emphasizes real-world implementation of intelligent signal control and data analytics for transportation infrastructure.