My name is Amin Golkarfard, and I am a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering) at the University of Louisville, KY. As a first-generation graduate student and immigrant from Iran, I am deeply honored to apply for the Dr. Hassan Homami Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Homami’s legacy of excellence in transportation systems and his commitment to supporting future engineers strongly resonate with my personal journey and professional goals. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Iran, graduating with a 3.89 GPA from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic). My interest in transportation began early, shaped by firsthand experience living in a city where poor infrastructure and traffic safety were daily challenges. These early observations inspired me to pursue civil engineering with the goal of improving transportation systems for everyone. Now, in my doctoral studies, my research focuses on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). I study how emerging technologies such as mobile sensing, video processing, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR) can be integrated into transportation engineering. As an example, one of my current projects uses smartphone cameras and video analytics to measure nighttime roadway lighting levels. My research helps agencies detect poorly lit areas and improve nighttime safety. This work was presented at the ASCE International Conference on Transportation & Development 2025, where I was honored to be selected as a finalist among hundreds of submissions. I have also collaborated with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) on several state-level projects. These experiences have allowed me to apply academic research to real-world challenges in transportation infrastructure and safety. I take great pride in my work, and I strive to uphold the same values that Dr. Homami championed: dedication, innovation, and service to the public. I currently hold a 4.0 GPA in my doctoral coursework and actively contribute as a Graduate Research Assistant, mentoring undergraduate students and sharing knowledge with them. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue professional licensure by taking the FE and PE exams to advance my career as a transportation engineer in the United States. My long-term goal is to develop scalable, low-cost ITS tools that help cities and states use connected vehicles, IoT networks, and real-time data to improve traffic safety and mobility. I want to make smart transportation systems more accessible to public agencies, especially in underserved areas, an effort that strongly aligns with Dr. Homami’s vision of impactful and inclusive engineering. Despite my academic success, I currently face significant financial challenges. As an international student from Iran, I am unable to receive financial support from my family due to extreme currency devaluation. I funded my move to the U.S. using my retired parents’ savings and personal loans, covering essential costs like travel, housing, and initial living expenses. I am now managing credit card debt while continuing full-time studies and research. I also need support to cover the costs of registering for the FE and PE exams. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me stay focused on my academic and research goals during this difficult time. It would also mean a lot to be supported by a program that honors someone like Dr. Homami, a dedicated engineer and immigrant who made lasting contributions to this field. I hope to carry forward his legacy through my work in ITS and by supporting others in the future, just as I am being supported now. Thank you for considering my application. I also want to say, with respect, may Dr. Homami’s soul rest in peace, and may his life and work continue to inspire and guide future engineers like me. Best regards, Amin Golkarfard