On March 13, 2026, we welcomed Eva Lerner-Lam, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and founder and president of Palisades Consulting Group, to UW–Madison. During her visit, she delivered the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture, titled “Addressing the Achilles’ Heel of AI to Ensure the Future of Safe and Resilient Transportation Infrastructure and Operations.” Her presentation sparked a thoughtful discussion about artificial intelligence in transportation engineering.

Following the lecture, our team at Sky-Lab demonstrated our remote-driving research. Eva explored how a driver can interact with a research vehicle through a steering-wheel control station and live computer interface, and experienced the remote-driving system firsthand.

More about the visit is available in Prof. David Noyce’s post.

Eva Lerner-Lam with faculty, students, and attendees after the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture

With Eva Lerner-Lam following the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture.

Eva Lerner-Lam delivering the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture at UW–Madison

Eva Lerner-Lam delivering the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture.

Eva Lerner-Lam with the audience at the Spring 2026 Hawnn Lecture

Engaging with faculty and students at UW–Madison.

Eva Lerner-Lam with researchers after the remote-driving demonstration

With researchers following the remote-driving demonstration.

Eva Lerner-Lam using the remote-driving control station

Exploring the remote-driving control station.

Researchers presenting the remote-driving simulation environment to Eva Lerner-Lam

Introducing the remote-driving simulation environment.

Overview of the remote-driving demonstration for Eva Lerner-Lam

Discussing the remote-driving system with visitors.