News

Julie Stella Awarded IU Indy Trustees Teaching Award

May 15, 2026—Julie Stella, Lecturer in Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering's Graduate Program for Human-Computer Interaction and faculty member of IEAM, has been awarded the IU Indianapolis Trustees Teaching Award. Recipients must have demonstrated a sustained level of teaching excellence and been on staff for at least three years.  Stella said, "I am excited about this award, and to be honest, this is not about me—it is about students...[Their] evaluations helped me grow. I also value the many experiences and friendships developed in mentoring students about the job market and navigating a future in career and life. My colleagues at IUI have also been instrumental in my growth."

IEAM Leaders Nicholas, Nalim Awarded Patent

May 13, 2026—Clayton Nicholas and Razi Nalim, both of IEAM, have been awarded a second patent for their work on caravanning vehicle system technology. The system improves vehicle routing problems, increases vehicle safety, and improves productivity, while reducing diesel emissions and fuel usage.

IU Indianapolis Named Carnegie Engaged University

January 14, 2026—IU Indianapolis has received the Carnegie Engaged University designation for its community engagement efforts.  The Initiative for Electrified & Autonomous Mobility was honored to have its work with Central Indiana's charitable food system serve as a contributing example of community-engaged learning in IUI's application for this designation.  

Youngbok Hong named to PIT-UN Advisory Board

November 12, 2025—Youngbok Hong, Graduate Program Director at Herron School of Art + Design and member of the Initiative of Electrified & Autonomous Vehicles, was named to the 2025-26 National Deep Inference Fabric (NDIF) Advisory Board by the Public Interest in Technology-University Network.   As part of the advisory board, Hong will help to ensure that the National Science Foundation-backed NDIF project aligns with ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI practices.

IEAM named Finalist for UEDA Innovation Award

September 11, 2025—IEAM  is a finalist for the 2025 Award of Excellence in Innovation by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA). The project serves the mission to provide tools and resources Indiana’s economy needs to prepare for the impact of disruptive advancements in electrified and autonomous mobility, both socially and technologically. IEAM creates pathways for the adoption of future technologies into the broader community, making technology adoption easier and more accessible.

Nine13 Logistics Receives Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement

August 26, 2025—Nine13 Logistics, a valued community partner, received the Chancellor's Community Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement for its meaningful and sustained collaboration with IU Indianapolis students, faculty, and staff across multiple schools. Through joint research and operational projects, IU Indianapolis students have helped Nine13 Logistics address food insecurity in Marion County, gaining real-world experience while contributing to a stronger community.

IEAM Director Clayton Nicholas Awarded Patent

January 22, 2025—Executive Director Clayton Nicholas, along with colleagues Euzeli Dos Santos and Yaobin Chin of Purdue University, has been awarded a patent for a caravanning vehicle system technology.  The team developed the system, composed of a tractor and articulated trailers in which the lead vehicle transfers power to trailing vehicles, to improve safety and productivity while reducing fuel usage and emissions.

IEAM Students Making a Difference at Local Food Pantries

May 28, 2024—Graduate students Kara Krol and Anamitra Jana worked with Hawthorne Community Center during the 2023-24 school year to help turn a "grab and go" food pantry into a grocery shopping experience where clients of the center can choose their own groceries.  Krol, a Master of Design student at Herron, led the team.  She and Jana, a Human-Computer Interaction Master's student from Luddy, organized six sessions throughout the semester to understand the needs of the center's leaders and clients. "There were new things to take away from every session," Krol said. "We were very much driven by a desire to bridge the needs of staff and clients into a seamless and low-stress operation.

How Can EV Charging Stations be Increased?

March 27, 2023—Inside Indiana Business Reporter, Gerry Dick, interviews IEAM Director Clayton Nicholas about emerging vehicle technologies and how we can implement and sustain their usage in the short and long term.  Nicholas likened the transition to battery-powered electric vehicles that use charging stations to the transition from horses to gasoline-powered vehicles. “When we converted from horses to internal combustion engines, the same thing happened where we had to start adding a lot more gasoline stations around, and it took some period of time,” Nicholas said.