R. Michael Robinson
R. Michael Robinson
VMASC, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
rmobins@odu.edu
(757) 638-7010
Mike Robinson is a Research Assistant Professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and
Simulation Center and leads the Center’s applied research in transportation. His areas of interest
include transportation planning and operations, evacuations, and decision-making models. Dr.
Robinson became VMASC’s lead transportation researcher for transportation and evacuation in
October 2007. Since that time he has served as the principal investigator or co-principal
investigator on funded projects with total funding of almost $1 million. Dr. Robinson joined
VMASC in January 2004 as a researcher for the Homeland Defense Modeling and Simulation
project funded through U. S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM). He served as VMASC’s
Director of Program Advancement/Business Development from October 2005 to October 2007.
Dr. Robinson previously served as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Past
assignments include two tours in command with leadership of more than 400 men and women
and budgetary responsibilities of several million dollars.
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Research and
Development
Principal Investigator for the Hampton Roads Transportation Alternatives
project (Phase I and II) conducted in support of the Virginia General
Assembly (Hampton Roads Delegation). This study modeled critical
roadways throughout Hampton Roads and assessed the ability of proposed
improvements to the road network to effectively handle traffic volumes
expected 25 years in the future. Results of this project have been briefed
to members of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Department of
Transportation, and regional government, academic, and industry leaders.
VMASC lead for the Hampton Roads Evacuation Simulation project
funded by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Contributed to the verification and validation of the VMASC developed
Crowd Behavior Model.
Transportation M&S Cluster lead for a Department of Labor funded
Economic Development Assistance grant. This cluster seeks to
coordinate efforts of academic institutions, government agencies, and
industry to increase the research, application, and employment of M&S in
transportation applications throughout southeastern Virginia.
Business
Development and
Public Relations
Worked closely with existing and potential business partners to pursue
mutually beneficial opportunities. Frequent presenter and speaker at
modeling and simulation events, including briefs to members of Congress,
state and local government, senior military officials, and public service
organizations. Spearheaded study to measure the economic impact of
modeling and simulation (M&S) on the Hampton Roads, Virginia region.
R. Michael Robinson
Project
Management and
Administration
Developed and approved multi-million dollar budgets for a broad range of
areas, including research and development, facility modernization,
transportation, and advertising. Authored research proposals, statements
of work, design documents, and status reports. Chaired meetings of
participating organizations, integrating plans and coordinating future
efforts. Proposed and monitored financial allocations to project
participants to ensure effective use of funds.
Project Scientist on Homeland Defense Modeling and Simulation project
funded through U. S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM). This project
focused on the representation urban areas in Virginia, including the
capabilities of military, government, and non-government emergency
response, assistance and civil support. VMASC was the lead organization
on this project, which included eight commercial partners, five schools
and universities, state and local government representatives, and military
members. In addition to research responsibilities, Dr. Robinson
coordinated project integration and development efforts, prepared draft
budget plans, completed required periodic reports, and provided briefings
to senior government and industry leaders.
EDUCATION
Ph.D.
Master of Science
Bachelor of Science
Modeling and Simulation Dissertation: “Modeling Decision
Old Dominion University Making Related to Incident Delays
during Hurricane Evacuations”
Physics
Thesis: “Emission Angles for Soft
Naval Postgraduate
X-Ray Coherent Transition
School
Radiation”
U.S. Naval Academy
PRESENTATIONS AND PAPERS
Duanmu, J., K. Taaffe, M. Chowdhury and R. M. Robinson, “A simulation analysis for
evacuation under congested traffic scenarios: a case study”, SIMULATION: Transactions of The
Society for Modeling and Simulation International, in revision.
Duanmu, J., P. Foytik, A. Khattak and R. M. Robinson. Distribution Analysis of Freight
Transportation Using Gravity Model and Genetic Algorithm. In Transportation Research
Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Transportation Research Board of the
National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2012, accepted, in press.
Robinson, R. Michael and Asad Khattak. Selection of Source and Use of Traffic Information in
Emergency Situations. In Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation
Research Board, No. 2234, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies,
Washington, D.C.,Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, National Academies,
Washington, D.C., 2011, pp. 71-78.
R. Michael Robinson
Robinson, R. Michael and Asad Khattak. Route Change Decision-Making by Hurricane
Evacuees Facing Congestion? In Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation
Research Board, No. 2196, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies,
Washington, D.C., 2010, pp. 168-175.
Robinson, R. Michael and Asad Khattak. Evacuee Route Choice Decisions in a Dynamic
Hurricane Evacuation Context. In Transportation Research Record: Journal of the
Transportation Research Board, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies,
Washington, D.C., 2012, accepted, in press.
Robinson, R.Michael, Hampton Roads Hurricane Evacuation Study. Report Number V07-008,
provided to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, 2007, Available from the
Virginia Department of Emergency Management, 10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236.
PRESENTATIONS
“Hampton Roads Hurricane Evacuation Simulation,” 2009 Capitol Hill Modeling and
Simulation Demonstration. One of eleven exhibits selected for demonstration to members and
staff of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. (Presenter)
“Forecasting Driver Decision-Making During Catastrophic Event Evacuations” National
Evacuation Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 2010.
Robinson, R. Michael, Asad Khattak, John A. Sokolowski, Peter Foytik, and Xin Wang. What
is the role of Traffic Incidents in Hampton Roads Hurricane Evacuations? Transportation
Research Board Annual Meeting Proceedings, National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2009.
Zheng, Libing, R. Michael Robinson, Asad Khattak, and Xin Wang. All Accidents are Not
Equal: Using Geographically Weighted Regressions Models to Assess and Forecast Accident
Impacts. 3rd International Conference on Road Safety and Simulation, September 14-16, 2011,
Indianapolis, USA.
“Intelligent Transportation Systems,” 2008 Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology
Symposium (COVITS). (Panelist)
“Modeling and Simulation uses in transportation,” 2008 Virginia Economic Development
Partnership Global Logistics Forum. (Speaker)
“Modeling and Simulation in Emergency Management,” 2007 All Hazards Forum. (Modeling
and Simulation capabilities panelist and speaker.)
CURRENT RESEARCH
“Investigation of New Equilibrium Assignment Methods for the VDOT Transportation Demand
Model,” Virginia Department of Transportation, 8/9/11-1/10/13, $199,989, co-principal
investigator.
“Unmet Data Needs of Transportation Planners,” Virginia Department of Transportation, 8/1/11
– 5/1/13, $94,408, co-principal investigator.
R. Michael Robinson
“Trans-LIVE (Transportation for Livability by Integrating Vehicles and the Environment),” Tier
1 University Transportation Center, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1/21/11 – 9/30/13,
$600,000, co-principal investigator.
“Cyber Risks to Transportation Control Systems,” Virginia Department of Emergency
Management, 1/11/11 – 6/30/12, $127,149, co-principal investigator.
"A Decision-Support Model Addressing Issues Related to Sea Level Rise in Hampton Roads,”
ODU Office of Research, 5/15/11 – 11/30/11, $45,000, Principal Investigator.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Cleared for Secret information. Single Scope Background Investigation completed by DSS (23
OCT 02).