Event Calendar
Past Event
NUTC Seminar - "Peaking inside the black box: Toward explainable - Al- empowered travel demand models" - Xilei Zhao, University of Florida
Northwestern University Transportation Center
4:00 PM
//
Ruan Conference Room Lower Level, Chambers Hall
Details
"Peaking inside the black box: Toward explainable - Al- empowered travel demand models"
Xilei Zhao, Assistant Professor, University of Florida
Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches, especially machine learning, have become increasingly popular in travel demand modeling. Due to their flexible modeling structure and capabilities of automatically capturing complex relationships in the data, machine‐learning‐based travel demand models are found to have higher predictive power than statistical methods (e.g., linear regression and Poisson models). However, these machine learning models are often deemed as black boxes that lack transparency and explainability compared to traditional statistical models. This raises doubt on the trustworthiness of machine learning models and hence undermines their applicability to inform high‐stakes decision‐ making. In this talk, I will discuss how my research team develops machine‐learning‐based travel demand models for innovative mobility options (such as ridehailing and shared micromobility) to achieve high prediction accuracy as well as useful behavioral insights by leveraging the state‐of‐the‐art explainable AI techniques (i.e., open the black box). The results of this work will inform the development of the next‐generation travel demand models that can accurately forecast the demand, facilitate decision‐making for real‐time operations and management, and generate new knowledge for targeted policymaking and long‐term transportation planning.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Xilei Zhao is an assistant professor in Transportation Engineering at the University of Florida, where she leads the Smart, Equitable, Resilient Mobility Systems (SERMOS) Lab. She received a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics and a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. Zhao’s work focuses on developing and applying data and computational science methods to tackle challenging problems in transportation and resilience. Her work has been published in leading transportation and resilience journals, e.g., Transportation Research Part A, C & D and Safety Science. She received the Travel Behaviour and Society Outstanding Paper Award 2020 for her paper entitled “Prediction and behavioral analysis of travel mode choice: A comparison of machine learning and logit models.” Her research has been supported by multiple funding agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Zhao serves on the editorial board of Journal of Big Data Analytics in Transportation
Time
Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Ruan Conference Room Lower Level, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern University Transportation Center
NUTC Exec Ed (Summer 2026) Freight Transportation & Logistics
Northwestern University Transportation Center
8:00 AM
//
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall
Details
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION SERIES
Freight Transportation & Logistics:
Resilient Freight Leadership: Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight
July 20-22, 2026
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Northwestern University Transportation Center’s (NUTC) 2026 Executive Education Freight Transportation & Logistics program, Resilient Freight Leadership - Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight, will be offered on July 20-22 at NUTC headquarters in Evanston.
Over the last couple of years, the global logistics community has managed challenges across the first, middle, and final mile. The ongoing global turbulence associated with war-related disruptions and complex tariff policies in the supply of various commodities, labor recruitment challenges, and inflation have continued to pressure supply chains and increase volatility on both the demand and supply sides. Even with a gradual recovery from the “freight recession,” other economic and operational uncertainties will continue to impact the freight transportation system across every mode and across all geographies. In this essential three-day Executive Education program, Northwestern faculty and industry experts will provide fundamental knowledge and practical insights for managing through these challenges and beyond.
NUTC’s Freight Transportation & Logistics three-day Executive Education program has a proven track record of delivering current and forward-looking insight and actionable knowledge into North American/global transportation and supply chains. From domestic transportation (intermodal, parcel and last mile delivery, rail, third-party logistics, trucking, warehousing), to international transportation (air cargo, ocean shipping, ports, sourcing), the program provides an unmatched view into how freight moves. Attendees will get a first-hand look at domestic and international logistics and supply chain trends and learn how to leverage freight management technology and data analytics for greater efficiency and resilience. This program is specifically designed for early- to mid-level transportation managers, at both carriers and shippers, to deepen their overall knowledge of the freight transportation ecosystem.
Program content will be thoroughly integrated by our instructors, so that participants will gain a comprehensive understanding and view of both domestic and international transportation sectors. The program is interactive in nature and will provide many opportunities for discussions with faculty and fellow participants. Prior knowledge and experience in logistics, transportation and supply chain management will be useful, but is not a prerequisite.
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Baxa - President and CEO, CSCMP
Mike Brennan - Advisor, Farmer’s Fridge
Mike Burton – CEO, MEDLOG
Eric Jakubowski - Rail consultant
Shawn McWhorter - President (Americas Region), Nippon Cargo Airlines
Marty O'Hara - CenterPoint Properties, VP Strategic Projects & Planning
Chris Pickett - Chief Operating Officer, Flock Freight
Steven Rothberg - Founding Partner, Mercator International
Ian Savage - Associate Chair and Professor of Instruction in Economics, Northwestern
Joseph L. Schofer - Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern
Bill Seliger - Director, Amazon Delivery Central Operations, Amazon
Dana Thompson - Transportation and Logistics Strategy Consultant, Timothy L Jones & Associates
Jan Van Mieghem - A.C. Buehler Professor & Deputy Dean, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern
Justin Zubrod - Managing Partner, Justin Zubrod & Co.
TOPICS
Freight Transportation & Logistics Trends
Data Science & Transportation Analytics
Managing Under Uncertainty
Global Sourcing (On / Near-Shoring) Strategy
Freight & Logistics Operations:
> Air Cargo
> Intermodal
> Ocean Shipping and Ports
> Rail
> Trucking
> 3PL/4PL, Brokerage, Warehouse
Package / Parcel Shipping & Last-Mile Services
Freight Performance Measurement
Transportation Pricing & Costs
Future of Freight Technology and Trends
REGISTRATION
Registration includes attendee tuition, materials, breakfast, lunch and a welcome reception.
For group rates, please contact Bret Johnson.
General Registration (early bird $2500) (increase to $3,000 on June 20)
Business Advisory Council Company Employees ($2,200)
Look up Business Advisory Council companies
Government & Academic Professionals ($2,300)
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Time
Monday, July 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern University Transportation Center
NUTC Exec Ed (Summer 2026) Freight Transportation & Logistics
Northwestern University Transportation Center
8:00 AM
//
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall
Details
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION SERIES
Freight Transportation & Logistics:
Resilient Freight Leadership: Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight
July 20-22, 2026
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Northwestern University Transportation Center’s (NUTC) 2026 Executive Education Freight Transportation & Logistics program, Resilient Freight Leadership - Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight, will be offered on July 20-22 at NUTC headquarters in Evanston.
Over the last couple of years, the global logistics community has managed challenges across the first, middle, and final mile. The ongoing global turbulence associated with war-related disruptions and complex tariff policies in the supply of various commodities, labor recruitment challenges, and inflation have continued to pressure supply chains and increase volatility on both the demand and supply sides. Even with a gradual recovery from the “freight recession,” other economic and operational uncertainties will continue to impact the freight transportation system across every mode and across all geographies. In this essential three-day Executive Education program, Northwestern faculty and industry experts will provide fundamental knowledge and practical insights for managing through these challenges and beyond.
NUTC’s Freight Transportation & Logistics three-day Executive Education program has a proven track record of delivering current and forward-looking insight and actionable knowledge into North American/global transportation and supply chains. From domestic transportation (intermodal, parcel and last mile delivery, rail, third-party logistics, trucking, warehousing), to international transportation (air cargo, ocean shipping, ports, sourcing), the program provides an unmatched view into how freight moves. Attendees will get a first-hand look at domestic and international logistics and supply chain trends and learn how to leverage freight management technology and data analytics for greater efficiency and resilience. This program is specifically designed for early- to mid-level transportation managers, at both carriers and shippers, to deepen their overall knowledge of the freight transportation ecosystem.
Program content will be thoroughly integrated by our instructors, so that participants will gain a comprehensive understanding and view of both domestic and international transportation sectors. The program is interactive in nature and will provide many opportunities for discussions with faculty and fellow participants. Prior knowledge and experience in logistics, transportation and supply chain management will be useful, but is not a prerequisite.
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Baxa - President and CEO, CSCMP
Mike Brennan - Advisor, Farmer’s Fridge
Mike Burton – CEO, MEDLOG
Eric Jakubowski - Rail consultant
Shawn McWhorter - President (Americas Region), Nippon Cargo Airlines
Marty O'Hara - CenterPoint Properties, VP Strategic Projects & Planning
Chris Pickett - Chief Operating Officer, Flock Freight
Steven Rothberg - Founding Partner, Mercator International
Ian Savage - Associate Chair and Professor of Instruction in Economics, Northwestern
Joseph L. Schofer - Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern
Bill Seliger - Director, Amazon Delivery Central Operations, Amazon
Dana Thompson - Transportation and Logistics Strategy Consultant, Timothy L Jones & Associates
Jan Van Mieghem - A.C. Buehler Professor & Deputy Dean, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern
Justin Zubrod - Managing Partner, Justin Zubrod & Co.
TOPICS
Freight Transportation & Logistics Trends
Data Science & Transportation Analytics
Managing Under Uncertainty
Global Sourcing (On / Near-Shoring) Strategy
Freight & Logistics Operations:
> Air Cargo
> Intermodal
> Ocean Shipping and Ports
> Rail
> Trucking
> 3PL/4PL, Brokerage, Warehouse
Package / Parcel Shipping & Last-Mile Services
Freight Performance Measurement
Transportation Pricing & Costs
Future of Freight Technology and Trends
REGISTRATION
Registration includes attendee tuition, materials, breakfast, lunch and a welcome reception.
For group rates, please contact Bret Johnson.
General Registration (early bird $2500) (increase to $3,000 on June 20)
Business Advisory Council Company Employees ($2,200)
Look up Business Advisory Council companies
Government & Academic Professionals ($2,300)
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Time
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern University Transportation Center
NUTC Exec Ed (Summer 2026) Freight Transportation & Logistics
Northwestern University Transportation Center
8:00 AM
//
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall
Details
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION SERIES
Freight Transportation & Logistics:
Resilient Freight Leadership: Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight
July 20-22, 2026
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Northwestern University Transportation Center’s (NUTC) 2026 Executive Education Freight Transportation & Logistics program, Resilient Freight Leadership - Navigating Recovery, Disruption, and the Future of Moving Freight, will be offered on July 20-22 at NUTC headquarters in Evanston.
Over the last couple of years, the global logistics community has managed challenges across the first, middle, and final mile. The ongoing global turbulence associated with war-related disruptions and complex tariff policies in the supply of various commodities, labor recruitment challenges, and inflation have continued to pressure supply chains and increase volatility on both the demand and supply sides. Even with a gradual recovery from the “freight recession,” other economic and operational uncertainties will continue to impact the freight transportation system across every mode and across all geographies. In this essential three-day Executive Education program, Northwestern faculty and industry experts will provide fundamental knowledge and practical insights for managing through these challenges and beyond.
NUTC’s Freight Transportation & Logistics three-day Executive Education program has a proven track record of delivering current and forward-looking insight and actionable knowledge into North American/global transportation and supply chains. From domestic transportation (intermodal, parcel and last mile delivery, rail, third-party logistics, trucking, warehousing), to international transportation (air cargo, ocean shipping, ports, sourcing), the program provides an unmatched view into how freight moves. Attendees will get a first-hand look at domestic and international logistics and supply chain trends and learn how to leverage freight management technology and data analytics for greater efficiency and resilience. This program is specifically designed for early- to mid-level transportation managers, at both carriers and shippers, to deepen their overall knowledge of the freight transportation ecosystem.
Program content will be thoroughly integrated by our instructors, so that participants will gain a comprehensive understanding and view of both domestic and international transportation sectors. The program is interactive in nature and will provide many opportunities for discussions with faculty and fellow participants. Prior knowledge and experience in logistics, transportation and supply chain management will be useful, but is not a prerequisite.
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Baxa - President and CEO, CSCMP
Mike Brennan - Advisor, Farmer’s Fridge
Mike Burton – CEO, MEDLOG
Eric Jakubowski - Rail consultant
Shawn McWhorter - President (Americas Region), Nippon Cargo Airlines
Marty O'Hara - CenterPoint Properties, VP Strategic Projects & Planning
Chris Pickett - Chief Operating Officer, Flock Freight
Steven Rothberg - Founding Partner, Mercator International
Ian Savage - Associate Chair and Professor of Instruction in Economics, Northwestern
Joseph L. Schofer - Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern
Bill Seliger - Director, Amazon Delivery Central Operations, Amazon
Dana Thompson - Transportation and Logistics Strategy Consultant, Timothy L Jones & Associates
Jan Van Mieghem - A.C. Buehler Professor & Deputy Dean, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern
Justin Zubrod - Managing Partner, Justin Zubrod & Co.
TOPICS
Freight Transportation & Logistics Trends
Data Science & Transportation Analytics
Managing Under Uncertainty
Global Sourcing (On / Near-Shoring) Strategy
Freight & Logistics Operations:
> Air Cargo
> Intermodal
> Ocean Shipping and Ports
> Rail
> Trucking
> 3PL/4PL, Brokerage, Warehouse
Package / Parcel Shipping & Last-Mile Services
Freight Performance Measurement
Transportation Pricing & Costs
Future of Freight Technology and Trends
REGISTRATION
Registration includes attendee tuition, materials, breakfast, lunch and a welcome reception.
For group rates, please contact Bret Johnson.
General Registration (early bird $2500) (increase to $3,000 on June 20)
Business Advisory Council Company Employees ($2,200)
Look up Business Advisory Council companies
Government & Academic Professionals ($2,300)
CLICK TO REGISTER - JULY 2026
Time
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Ruan Conference Center, Chambers Hall Map
Contact
Calendar
Northwestern University Transportation Center