Meet Our Staff

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

	Andrew Berthaume, Community Planner The Volpe Innovation Challenge (VIA) is an annual competition for staff to develop unique solutions to emerging transportation issues, helped Andrew jumpstart his career.

	Rachael Barolsky Sack, Chief of Innovative Research Rachael oversees innovative transportation programs as chief of our Innovative Research Division. She and her staff are compiling lessons learned and best practices to share across the U.S. DOT Volpe Center.

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

	Kevin Clark, Chief of the Aviation Facilities and Business Services Division Kevin knows that that 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, Chief of Advanced Vehicle Technology Filmed before he became chief of his division, Mikio was a mechanical engineer focused on passenger vehicle technology safety systems—something he’s still focused on now that he’s chief of his division. From air bags to electronic safety systems, these critical technologies save lives every day.

	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 the U.S. DOT Volpe Center 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.

	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, Chief of Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning Before Rachel became chief of the Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning Division, she was a community planner. One of the exciting facets of her job is getting to see her work applied in the real world.