Research

The WSDOT Research Office has long been guided by the Research Executive Committee, a consultative oversight group for all of WSDOT’s research. Its purpose is to set the strategic direction for the solicitation of project proposals.

The Research Executive Committee (REC)

The WSDOT Research Office has long been guided by the Research Executive Committee, a consultative oversight group for all of WSDOT’s research.  Its purpose is to set the strategic direction for the solicitation of project proposals. 

• Defines research goals that are the basis for project selection
• Establishes the Research Advisory Committees
• Approves the funded research program
• Reviews key research findings
• Evaluates and finalizes recommendations to implement research findings

Research Executive Committee members are:

• Jerry Lenzi, Assistant Secretary, Engineering and Regional Operations Division
• Brian Smith, Director, Strategic Planning and Programming
• Don Nelson, Director, Environmental and Engineering Programs
• Ted Trepanier & Chris Christopher, Co-Directors, Maintenance and Operations Programs
• John Sibold, Director, Aviation Division
• Don Senn, Regional Administrator, North Central Region
• Don Wagner, Regional Administrator, Southwest Region

Research Advisory Committees

Four Research Advisory Committees (RAC) guide the identification, management and implementation of research projects. The four committees and committee chairs are listed below.  Click on the RAC name for a current list of committee members.

• Project Delivery
  Don Nelson, Director, Environmental and Engineering Programs
  
• Operations
  Ted Trepanier & Chris Christopher, Co-Directors, Maintenance and Operations Programs
  
• Multimodal Transportation
  John Sibold, Director, Aviation Division
  
• Information and Finance
  Brian Smith, Director, Strategic Planning and Programming

Each committee is comprised of nine to twelve members. The RACs are chaired by members of the Research Executive Committee and staffed by the Research Office. 

Each Research Advisory Committee:

• Provides input into the creation of research problem statements
• Prioritizes research needs to address critical agency issues and align research projects with the strategic direction of the agency
• Recommends to the Research Executive Committee research projects to be funded
• Recommends WSDOT technical monitors for the selected projects
• Receives reports and presentations on research results, discuss the recommendations for implementation, and make recommendations on funding for implementation
• Provides input for WSDOT participation in national research (i.e., TRB Technical Committee membership, NCHRP and TCRP problem statement submittal and ranking, NCHRP panel nominations)
• Provides input and feedback to the WSDOT Research Office on research programs and procedures.