Lee D. Han

Lee D. Han is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, within the College of Engineering. He is also a Collaborating Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), reflecting his strong ties to national research initiatives. His work bridges academia and applied transportation systems, with a focus on intelligent transportation, traffic operations, and emergency management.

Dr. Han earned his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, an MS from Virginia Tech, and a BS from National Taiwan University, all in Civil & Environmental Engineering. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in transportation systems and infrastructure.

His research interests are centered on traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic flow theory, emergency evacuation, crash analysis, and transportation data systems. He has pioneered work in evacuation modeling, license plate recognition, and adaptive signal control. His research integrates simulation, data analytics, and real-world applications to improve safety and efficiency in transportation networks.

The recent articles highlight a consistent focus on intelligent transportation technologies, including driver behavior analysis, incident detection, evacuation modeling, and freight systems. His work often combines empirical data with advanced computational methods such as machine learning, fuzzy logic, and optimization. There is a clear trend toward real-time, adaptive systems that enhance traffic safety and operational efficiency.

• TCE Teaching Fellow, 2019
• L.R. Hesler Award for Excellence, 2017
• Chancellor's Citation for Research, 2014
• TCE Research Achievement Award, 2014
• TCE Teaching Fellow, 2013
• Leon & Nancy Cole Superior Teaching Award, 2012
• Chair of Faculty Senate Research Council, 2011-13
• TRB University Representative, 2007-
• Charles E. Ferris Faculty Award, 2007
• COE Teaching Fellow Award, 2013
• Closest to Hole prize at the 15th ASCE Scholarship Golf Tournament, 2012

Dr. Han has secured over $10 million in externally sponsored research funding, significantly reducing institutional fiscal burden by recovering much of his salary. He advises PhD students, including Stephanie Hargrove, who has received the NSF EPASI and Dwight D. Eisenhower Fellowships. He leads the Transportation Systems Laboratory (TSL) and an eFacility for data transfer, supporting collaborative research with sponsors, visiting scholars, and students.

He leads the Transportation Systems Laboratory (TSL) at Perkins Hall and has established an eFacility for secure data exchange. The lab supports research in traffic modeling, simulation, and ITS applications, serving as a hub for students, faculty, and collaborators. His team engages in both theoretical and applied research, often in partnership with federal and state agencies.