November 9, 2023 1:00 pm
Firas Ibrahim, Ph.D., P.E., Director of the Office of Research, Development and Technology (RD&T), U.S. Department of Transportation, Ted Kniazewycz, P.E., Director of Structures, Tennessee DOT, and Rick Liptak, P.E., Chief Bridge Construction Engineer, Michigan DOT
Featured Presentation: USDOT’s Vision for the Future of Transportation Infrastructure, with Emphasis on Bridges
Webinar Documents:
Firas Ibrahim - PDF of Presentation
Ted Kniazewycz - PDF of Presentation
Rick Liptak - PDF of Presentation
QA USDOTs Vision for the Future of Transportation Infrastructure - Final
Description: The 2022-2026 U.S. Department of Transportation Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) Strategic Plan presents the Department’s transportation research priorities and strategies for the next five years and beyond. The purpose of the Plan is to outline a national transportation research vision to guide America’s research priorities and improve coordination of transportation research. It defines the role of the Department’s RD&T programs to lead the transformation of our Nation’s transportation system in partnership with stakeholders. source: U.S. DOT RD&T Strategic Plan (FY 2022-2026)–Building a Better Transportation Future for All | US Department of Transportation This presentation discusses the USDOT RD&T Strategic Plan and the speakers’ thoughts for the future of bridge engineering.
Presenters:
Firas Ibrahim, Ph.D., P.E.
Office of the Assistant Secretary
Director of Research Development and Technology
U.S. Department of Transportation
Dr. Ibrahim is the Director of the Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) for the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). In this role, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction and priorities; and overseeing the planning, performance, outcomes, and integrity of the USDOT’s $1 Billion RD&T Portfolio. Dr. Ibrahim is also responsible for the administration and oversight of national and international partnerships as well as high priority, transformative, and multimodal RD&T programs, including the University Transportation Centers.
Ted Kniazewycz, P.E., F.ASCE
Structures Division Director
Tennessee Department of Transportation
Ted is the Director of Structures for the Tennessee DOT where he has inspection and maintenance responsibilities for over 8,500 state-maintained bridges and inspection responsibilities for another 12,000 locally owned structures. In addition to these responsibilities, Ted is actively involved with the AASHTO Bridge Technical Committees on Steel & Metals, Construction, Bridge Preservation, and Research. Ted received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University and has been the State Bridge Engineer for the past six years.
Rick Liptak, P.E.
Chief Bridge Construction Engineer
Michigan Department of Transportation
Rick is the Chief Bridge Construction Engineer for the Michigan DOT where he has responsibility for statewide support efforts during construction and fabrication of bridges and structures. In addition to these responsibilities, Rick is actively involved with AASHTO Bridge Technical Committees and Michigan’s construction industry to coordinate specifications and standards. He also takes time to mentor/recruit students to civil engineering. Rick received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Michigan Tech University and has been with MDOT for more than 20 years.