Staff and faculty from four programs participated in the National Transportation Workforce Summit in Washington, DC, April 24 to 26.
Pasi Lautala (CEE/MTTI) spoke on rail transportation education and training. Tech’s HEV Mobile Lab, represented by Marlene Lappeus (ME-EM) and undergraduate student Meghan Schiber (CEE), and the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, represented by Joan Chadde (CEE), were both featured as showcase exhibits. Elizabeth Hoy (CEE/UTC) supported Michigan Tech’s involvement.
Session and presentation topics included the role of universities in educating and training transportation professionals; funding mechanisms for K-12 outreach and post- secondary training; emerging technologies in transportation and skills sets; and opportunities to engage underrepresented populations and displaced workers in the transportation field.
The event, sponsored by the Council of University Transportation Centers, included representatives from the Departments of Labor, Education and Transportation; the National Science Foundation; the American Society of Civil Engineers; and industry associations in transit, roads and rail.