New Faculty: Lecturer connects transportation analytics to real-world challenges
Published: Sep 10, 2026 2:55 PM
By Staff Report
Junayed Pasha
Moving people and goods safely and efficiently requires more than roads and vehicles. It also requires using data to understand complex transportation systems and make better decisions.
Junayed Pasha, a new lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, brings experience in transportation, operations research and supply chain management to the classroom. He uses practical examples to show students how optimization, simulation and other analytical tools can address challenges ranging from freight transportation and roadway safety to emergency management.
Learn more about his academic interests, his approach to teaching and mentoring and what brought him to Auburn.
What are your academic or professional interests, and what first drew you to this area?
My academic interests include operations research, transportation and supply chain management. I am particularly interested in how analytical tools, optimization techniques and simulation models can be used to solve real-world challenges in transportation and infrastructure systems. My work has explored topics such as freight transportation, intelligent transportation systems, transportation safety and emergency management.
I became interested in this field during my undergraduate studies in civil engineering. I was fascinated by how engineering decisions shape the movement of people and goods and affect everyday life. Over time, I developed a strong interest in using analytics and technology to help make transportation systems safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
What experiences have most shaped the perspective you bring to the classroom?
Teaching students from diverse backgrounds at multiple universities has had the greatest influence on my perspective as an educator. Over the years, I have taught courses in transportation engineering, operations research, statistics, supply chain management, simulation, autonomous vehicles and other topics. These experiences have reinforced the importance of meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence as problem solvers.
My experience in transportation and logistics, combined with my participation in applied research projects, has also helped me appreciate the value of connecting classroom concepts to real-world engineering challenges. I try to bring practical examples and applications into my courses so students can see how engineering tools are used beyond the classroom.
What attracted you to Auburn, and what are you most looking forward to as a member of the Auburn Engineering community?
Auburn’s reputation for excellence in engineering education, strong commitment to students and collaborative culture were major factors in my decision to join the university. I was especially drawn to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s focus on providing students with a high-quality educational experience.
As a member of the Auburn Engineering community, I am most excited about working with talented students and dedicated faculty colleagues. I look forward to contributing to student success, engaging with the Auburn community and helping prepare future engineers to address complex challenges in transportation and infrastructure systems.
How would you describe your approach to teaching and mentoring? What do you hope students take away from your courses?
My teaching approach centers on engagement, accessibility and real-world problem-solving. I strive to create an interactive learning environment where students actively apply engineering concepts through projects, case studies and practical examples. I also bring insights from research and projects conducted in collaboration with government agencies and industry partners, helping students understand how engineering tools and analytical methods are used to address challenges faced by practitioners and decision-makers.
As a mentor, I aim to be approachable, supportive and invested in my students’ success. I encourage critical thinking, analytical problem-solving and professional growth while helping students build the confidence to tackle complex challenges. I hope students leave my courses with strong technical and analytical skills, a commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to translate classroom knowledge into practical engineering solutions.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work at Auburn?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new places and trying different cuisines. I also enjoy being outdoors, keeping up with pop culture, following sports and taking road trips whenever I get the chance.
Since moving to Auburn, I have been looking forward to exploring the area, becoming part of the community and experiencing the traditions that make Auburn such a special place. War Eagle!
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