Videos: Careers at the Volpe Center

The strength of U.S. DOT's Volpe Center lies almost entirely in its people: their knowledge, experience, and commitment. Hear directly from our team of dedicated public servants about what working at Volpe is really like, and how they’re advancing a better transportation system.

	Andrew Berthaume, Community Planner Volpe’s Innovation Challenge, an annual competition for staff to develop unique solutions to emerging transportation issues, helped Andrew jumpstart his career.

	Rachael Barolsky Sack, Chief of the Innovative Research Program Office Rachael oversees innovative transportation programs as chief of Volpe’s newest division, the Innovative Research Program Office. She and her staff are compiling lessons learned and best practices to share across Volpe.

	John K. Pollard, Operations Research Analyst From traveling thousands of miles in locomotives to sailing on five merchant ships, John shares his unique experience and knowledge from his career in human factors.

	Judith Dixon, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Research and Technology Moving Volpe Forward was a staff-led initiative that sought ideas to improve Volpe’s processes and work environment. Judith calls it the most interesting project she’s worked on at Volpe.

	Kevin Clark, Chief of the Aviation Facilities and Business Services Division Kevin knows that Volpe’s organizational structure facilitates career growth. He began as a field engineer on the wake turbulence program, moved to the project lead, took over as program manager, and is now a division chief.

	Mikio Yanagisawa, Mechanical Engineer Passenger vehicle technologies save lives every day. From air bags to electronic safety systems, Mikio is right in the middle of the current research.

	Gregory Woo, Chief of the Aviation Systems Engineering Division Want an advanced degree? The Volpe Fellows program helps selected staff advance their transportation careers by going back to school. As a Volpe Fellow, Gregory pursued a PhD in aviation safety and human factors.

	Alexandra Oster, Community Planner Training at Volpe is all about professional development. The trainings Alexandra has taken have enhanced her skillsets and increased her value to sponsors.

	Scott Gabree, Engineering Research Psychologist Hundreds of people lose their lives every year by suicide on the rail system. That’s why Scott pioneered an effort to increase visibility of rail suicide prevention. He talks about his work with a Boston transit agency and Samaritans, Inc., a suicide prevention organization.

	Andrew Hansen, Principal Technical Advisor for Aviation Modeling and System Design Innovative project work, lasting friendships with colleagues, and flexible commuting options make Volpe a fulfilling work environment for Andrew.

	Evita St. Andre, Attorney Whether it’s mentoring, participating in dynamic projects, having her voice heard, or striking a work-life balance, Evita has had many unique opportunities at Volpe that have shaped her career.

	Anita Kim, Operations Research Analyst Volpe is at the intersection of emerging transportation technology and public policy, and so is Anita. She’s an expert in automated vehicles and how new innovations are coming online.

	Jason Lu, Aerospace Engineer Jason has done key work for NextGen, a national effort to transform the air traffic control system from a radar-based system with radio communication to a satellite-based one.

	Rachel Strauss McBrien, Community Planner Public service for Rachel is about improving transportation systems that connect people to their everyday lives. One of the exciting facets of her job is getting to see her work applied in the real world.

	Ava Schnock, Human Resources Specialist Ava began her career at Volpe as an administrative assistant and is now a human resources specialist. Volpe has provided her with professional development and training opportunities so that she can learn job-specific skills.