Ryuichi Kitamura, a former professor of engineering at UC Davis and a co-founder of the Institute of Transportation Studies, died of cancer in Kyoto, Japan, on Feb. 19. His work in the field of travel-behavior research profoundly shaped and influenced the profession.

Kitamura was known for his “sense of humor, devotion to his work, and the highest level of dignity, honor and integrity. He did everything possible to nurture and advance the careers of younger researchers,” a colleague wrote.

From 1978 to 1993, he served on the faculty of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Since 1993, Kitamura had been a professor of urban management at Kyoto University while remaining affiliated with the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies and civil and environmental engineering department as an adjunct faculty member.