Malekloo Successfully Defends Dissertation and Begins Career in Intelligent Transportation Systems
The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is proud to announce that Arman Malekloo successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation on November 11th, 2025, under the mentorship of Professor Cathy Liu.
Arman has already begun the next chapter of his career at Narwhal Group, where he serves as an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Analyst/Engineer. In this role, he supports the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) on connected and autonomous vehicle deployment projects—work that sits at the forefront of modern mobility and transportation safety. Narwhal, a transportation technology company specializing in both hardware and software development, is rapidly emerging as a leader in advancing smart transportation solutions.
During his graduate studies, Arman worked across a wide range of transportation research areas, gaining experience that shaped both his technical skills and career direction. His projects included driving-behavior analysis, deep learning methods for airport pavement monitoring, and paratransit performance studies for people with disabilities. This diverse portfolio introduced him to multiple facets of transportation systems, from operations and safety to data science and emerging technology.
These experiences led to an internship with the UDOT Technology & Innovation group, where Arman became involved in connected-vehicle (V2X) infrastructure and real-time communication systems. That work ultimately set the stage for his role at Narwhal Group, allowing him to apply his research background directly to statewide V2X deployment and safety applications. Those interested in Utah’s connected-vehicle initiatives can learn more here.
Arman Also distinguished himself through impactful research, technical expertise, and strong professional engagement. His recent recognition as a 2025 Lifesavers Traffic Safety Scholar (TSS) underscores his leadership in the field. He was one of only 29 students nationwide selected through a highly competitive process for this prestigious honor.
“My time at the U was truly formative. I’m grateful for how much it shaped both my technical foundation and my career path. I had the chance to explore many areas of transportation, learn from my advisor who pushed me to grow, and find the parts of the field that truly motivated me. Those experiences prepared me for the work I’m doing now at Narwhal Group, where I support several statewide connected-vehicle initiatives, including contributions to Utah’s SMART Grant efforts and the Connecting the West program, among others. It’s meaningful to see my academic work translate into real deployments that improve safety and mobility across the nation.”
Arman’s achievements, combined with his competitive new position, reflect a promising career trajectory in Intelligent Transportation Systems. His work embodies the department’s commitment to shaping safer, smarter, and more connected transportation networks.
Congratulations to Dr. Malekloo on this exceptional milestone.
Dr. Malekloo, right, recognized as a 2025 Lifesavers Traffic Safety Scholar.
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