Dr. Pfaff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Development in the Iowa State University College of Design. His research analyzes transportation planning and policy that impact rider experience. His expertise is in qualitative research methodologies, including policy analyses, budget and financing, case studies, textual interpretation, surveys, interviews, journey mapping, and participatory action research to understand how transportation planning, policy, funding, and design impact community accessibility at the local, regional, and state level. He has worked with both small- and mid-sized transportation systems at the local, regional, state, and federal levels and to date has served as a Co-PI on $1.9 Million in funded research grants, successfully managing teams of researchers in both public and private awards.