Marisa Auguste is Research Assistant at the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center (CTSRC) at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Conducting social science research in roadway transportation, her primary focus is on human behavior in the driving environment. A large part of her work involves analyzing statewide data to identify vulnerable populations and patterns of behavior that are positively correlated with increased motor vehicle crash risk. Her research projects have focused on COVID-19’s impact on crashes and transportation, teenage mobility, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety education. Utilizing a background in sociology, psychology and criminal justice, Ms. Auguste relies on theory and behavior modification practices based in these disciplines.

In addition to her research interests, Ms. Auguste continues to be an active member of the social science and transportation research communities. She serves as a manuscript reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and is also an active member of Connecticut’s statewide impaired driving, occupant protection, and pedestrian safety task forces. Her research has been published in Injury Prevention, Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, and most notably, a two-time New England Emmy nominated documentary on distracted driving behaviors, 3 Seconds Behind the Wheel.

Current research projects: COVID-19’s effect on driver behavior, marijuana use and driving, human and vehicle interaction, and linkage of motor vehicle crash and citation data.