Auburn University Tackles Transit

### Show Notes for Episode: Transition to Zero **Host:** Jerge Schneider, BUS Team Leader, CalSTART   **Guest:** Mark Hoffman, Auburn University --- **Introduction:** - Host: Jared Schnader from CalSTART - Guest: Mark Hoffman from Auburn University **Main Topics Discussed:** 1. **Introduction to Mark Hoffman:**    - Background in vehicle energy systems.    - Experience at Clemson's International Center for Automotive Research and University of Michigan.    - Work at Auburn University for the past six years. 2. **Transit Bus Testing and Cybersecurity:**    - Auburn University's involvement in the Low and No Emission Component Assessment Program.    - Cybersecurity testing initiatives.    - Challenges with initial testing protocols and public results publication. 3. **Cybersecurity Concerns in Transit:**    - Addressing cybersecurity threats in transit vehicles.    - Potential vulnerabilities in automated and smart bus components.    - Examples of cybersecurity issues, such as RF noise interference and false telematics data. 4. **Industry Collaboration and Challenges:**    - Collaboration with OEMs and transit agencies for cybersecurity validation.    - The importance of third-party validation.    - Involvement of multiple stakeholders in improving transit bus cybersecurity. 5. **Auburn University's Broader Transit Research:**    - Development of a facility for real-world bus testing in various climates.    - Research on new materials for bus construction to improve efficiency.    - The role of Auburn's advanced polymer and additive manufacturing capabilities. 6. **Performance Specifications and Component Testing:**    - Creating performance metrics for low and no emission buses.    - The need for standardized component testing and performance assessment.    - Collaboration with Ohio State and leveraging work from the National Renewable Energy Lab. 7. **Future Directions and Industry Impact:**    - Importance of durability and life cycle maintenance cost assessment for new components.    - The potential for aggressive aging-based protocols for component testing.    - Ensuring industry-wide acceptance through collaborative protocol development. 8. **Engaging Students in Research:**    - Role of Auburn University students in transit research projects.    - Hands-on involvement in various research initiatives. **Conclusion:** - Recap of the discussion on cybersecurity, performance specifications, and research at Auburn University. - Emphasis on industry collaboration and the future of transit research. **Call to Action:** - Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for future episodes and explore more about CalSTART and Auburn University's transit research. --- **Contact Information:** - **CalSTART:** [Website](https://www.calstart.org) - **Auburn University:** [Website](https://www.auburn.edu) **Follow Us:** - **Twitter:** [@CalSTART](https://twitter.com/CalSTART) - **LinkedIn:** [CalSTART](https://www.linkedin.com/company/calstart) --- **Subscribe:** - Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.