About Us

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center's Innovative Research Design and Deployment Division serves the innovative transportation research needs of the U.S. DOT. The team supports a range of activities designed to optimize research programs’ success, from program design and administration to analysis and research.

Making our transportation system safer and stronger requires a renewed commitment to innovation. Our team oversees and coordinates key programs supporting U.S. DOT’s Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), its modal partners, and the transportation research community—helping design the future of transportation. The Innovative Research Design and Deployment Division conducts analysis and research for many of its projects to assist stakeholders in understanding the opportunities and impacts of emerging technology, how certain policies and practices are integrated into research, and learning about best practices and lessons learned from technology adoption from across the country.

Some highlights of our work include:

• Administering the U.S. DOT Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program on behalf of OST, identifying topics and solutions that connect the power of small business innovations with emerging federal research and development needs, and awarding more than $78 million in small business funding over the last 10 years on behalf of U.S. DOT’s eight participating operating administrations
• Supporting the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) program with evaluation and research assessment, future topic scoping, and research transition assistance, which analyzes the underlying gaps associated with applied highway programs focused on longer-term, higher-risk research with high-payoff potential
• Supporting the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office with developing strategy, assessing scope, and managing ITS exploratory research using a mix of traditional and innovative research approaches on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and Work Zone Data Exchange
• Coordinating technology transfer across the U.S. DOT including research and implementation process analysis, process design, and communication support to OST’s Technology Transfer program
• Supporting the design and implementation of the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program, which aims to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety
• Supporting FHWA’s Office of Infrastructure with stewardship and oversight responsibilities related to transportation performance management, asset management, Major Projects, and Emergency Relief
• Coordinating artificial intelligence (AI) work across U.S. DOT—including advising on training, catalyzing partnerships, and conducting and orchestrating R&D to accelerate the responsible deployment of AI applications—in partnership with FHWA, Intelligent Transportations Systems Joint Program Office, and the U.S. DOT Chief AI Officer

Our team of transportation research innovation experts consists of technology policy analysts, general engineers, operations research analysts, policy analysts, and contract specialists who work collaboratively to help transportation leaders invest in purpose-driven research and innovation to meet today’s challenges and modernize the transportation system of the future.

Our Capabilities

Technology and Policy Analysis

• Analyze solutions to enhance our transportation system by transforming our infrastructure, technology, and approaches to solving problems
• Evaluate and assess research to scope future topics and support research transition
• Develop strategy, assess scope, and manage exploratory research using a mix of traditional and innovative approaches, such as artificial intelligence, location and referencing, imaging and sensing, and data analytics
• Provide process analysis, process design, and communication support to innovative research programs
• Conduct research and oversee contracts focused on a variety of safety countermeasures
• Review mandated documentation to ensure compliance with federal requirements
• Coordinating artificial intelligence (AI) work across the U.S. DOT—including advising on training, catalyzing partnerships, and conducting and orchestrating R&D to accelerate the responsible deployment of AI applications—in partnership with FHWA, ITS JPO, and the U.S. DOT Chief AI Officer

Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Collaboration

• Oversee and coordinate key program delivery and data exchanges
• Facilitate cross-disciplinary, transportation-oriented teams
• Improve the quality, consistency, and efficiency of peer review processes
• Improve the process for disseminating research results and sharing information with stakeholders
• Engage stakeholders to advance research objectives
• Help the transportation research community facilitate effective technology transfer

Meet Our Team

View selected staff biographies.

Rachael Barolsky Sack

Chief

Rachael Barolsky Sack is the chief of the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s Innovative Research Design and Deployment Division and the director of the U.S. DOT SBIR program. Sack’s work focuses on innovative approaches to program design and communication strategies for sharing information on emerging technologies, best practices, and related policies.

Since joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center in 2002, Sack’s work has supported a variety of transportation areas including environmental streamlining for highway projects, technology transfer initiatives, and highway safety countermeasures. She also facilitates interagency working groups and issue-specific meetings with the goals of sharing information across agencies, reaching consensus on key issues, and agreeing to action-oriented solutions.

In 2009, Sack received the FHWA Administrator’s Team Award for her work on the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program and the FRA Administrator’s Team Award for her work on the development of FRA’s new Risk Reduction Program. She holds a master’s degree in energy and environmental analysis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in energy and environmental policy, both from Boston University (Boston, MA).

View Rachael Barolsky Sack’s LinkedIn profile.

Matt Cuddy, PhD

Operations Research Analyst

Matt Cuddy, PhD is an operations research analyst, specializing in building coalitions to solve complex social-technical problems. Currently, he is focused on accelerating the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in transportation. He manages the U.S. DOT AI Community of Practice and the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s AI-related support of ITS JPO.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Cuddy worked in multiple aspects of transportation technology and policy. He developed university-industry research relationships at Northwestern University’s Transportation Center. Cuddy developed land-use/transportation policy for the state of New Jersey at Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Policy Research. He also developed hybrid vehicle drivetrain technology in partnership with GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Cuddy holds a PhD in urban planning and policy development from Rutgers University, an MS in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a BS in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Cornell University.

April Davison, PhD

Community Planner

April Davison, PhD is a community planner, supporting a range of U.S. DOT offices and programs, including emerging AI applications and fiscal process improvements for FTA, IT modernization for OST, and innovative finance studies for FHWA. Before joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, she worked as a researcher at the Center for the Study of Diversity and the Center for Community Research and Service, both in Newark, DE while completing her doctoral degree. She holds a PhD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Williams College.

Nate Deshmukh Towery, PhD

Technology Policy Analyst

Nate Deshmukh Towery, PhD is a technology policy analyst in the Innovative Research Design and Deployment Division at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center. Deshmukh Towery works to boost early-stage transportation technologies from lab to field and develop policy approaches that improve the safety of automated vehicles as they navigate alongside human drivers.

Deshmukh Towery has worked on a variety of projects during his tenure at the U.S. DOT Volpe Center. He has supported research on autonomous vehicle policy development, environmental implications of connected vehicles, and the shortage of commercial airline pilots. Currently, Deshmukh Towery support U.S. DOT's National Roadway Safety Strategy as it advances the Safe System Approach to reduce roadway deaths nationwide. He also leads a project for the ITS-JPO Data Program, which aims to make travel on public roads safer and more efficient through ubiquitous access to data on work zone activity.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Deshmukh Towery worked as an analyst at the Science and Technology Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., a federally funded research and development center supporting the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He holds a PhD in history, anthropology, science, technology, and society (with a focus on organizations, expertise, and change) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA in history of science from Harvard College.

Michael Kay

Transportation Planner

Michael Kay is a transportation planner. He jointly leads the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s portfolio with the FHWA Office of Infrastructure, focusing primarily on asset management, performance management, and stewardship and oversight. Kay also supports FHWA’s Office of Operations on Work Zone Safety initiatives and FTA on compliance with asset management requirements. He has developed regional plans on behalf of FRA and long-range transportation plans for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Kay was a transportation policy advocate in and around New York City, promoting initiatives including the Gateway Tunnel, Cross-Harbor Freight Tunnel, Second Avenue Subway, and parking and tolling policy reform. He also previously worked for Transport for London as a consultant on public-private partnerships to inform its procurement decision-making for delivering Crossrail (now the Elizabeth Line).

Kay holds a B.S. in political science from New York University and both a Master in City Planning and a MS in transportation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Kate Kvaternik

Program Analyst

Kate Kvaternik is a program analyst. She joined the U.S. DOT Volpe Center in 2025 to serve as the program manager for U.S. DOT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Prior to joining to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Kvaternik worked as the operations lead and acquisition management lead for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s SBIR program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Colgate University.

Daniel (Mac) Lang

Policy Analyst

Daniel (Mac) Lang is a policy analyst. His portfolio includes work on emerging transportation technology, including leveraging AI and machine learning to support transportation decision-making, data standardization and generation, and infrastructure repair process improvements. Lang’s work is centered on analyzing trends in the transportation sector and communicating them in engaging ways to enhance public awareness and understanding of ongoing U.S. DOT initiatives. He also employs qualitative and quantitative analytical tools to support transportation stakeholders in making informed decisions and advancing innovative initiatives.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Lang worked with the city of Columbus, Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace, and U.S. Department of State to explore transportation policy from several levels of governance. He holds a BA in public management, leadership, and policy with a second major in philosophy, politics, and economics and a Master of City and Regional Planning degree with a focus on transportation planning and aviation administration, both from Ohio State University.

Carolina Mendez

Program Analyst

Carolina Mendez is a program analyst. Her current portfolio includes supporting U.S. DOT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, FRA’s Office of Research Development & Technology, and OST’s Office of Transportation Policy. In her role as a program analyst, Mendez leverages her skillset to optimize program performance and collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to enhance project outcomes.

Prior to joining to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Mendez worked at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. She is a certified acquisition professional with a level II Federal Acquisitions Certification for a Contracting Officer’s Representative. Mendez holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources and leadership and organizational change from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She received a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a concentration in management information system and international business from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is a graduate of the Commonwealth Honors Program.

Charles Mills

Technology Policy Analyst

Charles Mills is a technology policy analyst. Since joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, he has specialized in systems safety, advanced digital construction management systems, active transportation, emerging mobility, cybersecurity, freight logistics, and AI in freight optimization. Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Mills was a transportation planner at the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), a metropolitan planning organization in Southeastern Massachusetts. At SRPEDD, he worked on a wide array of planning initiatives including data collection, facilitating public meetings, developing technical planning studies, building GIS maps, and producing three-dimensional traffic simulations with UAS technology. Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University at Buffalo and a master’s degree in city planning from Boston University.

Mark Mockett

General Engineer

Mark Mockett is an engineer, primarily supporting FHWA and ITS JPO projects centered around artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and operational data. He supports FHWA’s EAR program, which funds higher-risk, longer-term research with the potential to transform highway and other surface transportation in the U.S. Mockett also supports feed validation and data management for the Work Zone Data Exchange program, development of a Freight and Fuel Transportation Optimization Tool, and research on ensuring AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

Mockett holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a focus on transportation systems.

Patrick O’Brien

Policy Analyst

Patrick O’Brien is a policy analyst, supporting several U.S. DOT programs including U.S. DOT’s Small Business Innovation Research program, FRA’s Monitoring and Technical Assistance program, and FHWA’s Major Projects program.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, O’Brien completed a congressional transportation policy fellowship assisting in developing and analyzing policy solutions focused on enhancing rail infrastructure, improving intermodal connectivity, and last-mile transit solutions. He previously worked for the Defense Contract Management Agency analyzing business systems of defense contractors to ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

O’Brien is a certified acquisition professional with level II Federal Acquisitions Certification for a Contracting Officer’s Representative. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a focus on public policy.

Darren Shaffer

Contract Specialist

Darren Shaffer is a dedicated contract specialist for the SBIR program. He has more than 20 years of federal acquisitions experience and holds Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional status as well as multiple FAC credentials. During his tenure, Shaffer has served as the U.S. DOT Volpe Center’s government purchase card coordinator and small business specialist. He has experience with a wide variety of contract types and values.

Throughout his career, Shaffer has routinely demonstrated a willingness to push the envelope of contracting convention, which has yielded multiple acquisition firsts for the U.S. DOT Volpe Center and U.S. DOT’s SBIR program. He awarded U.S. DOT’s first interagency SBIR Phase III contract, developed policies allowing gift cards to be utilized, and permitted an air traffic control tower to be donated to a museum. More recently, he issued a $15 million solicitation for a single SBIR topic relating to AI and transportation planning and design.

Shaffer is adept at designing solutions in response to complex challenges. He envisions possibilities from both an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary perspective. He earned an Interdisciplinary Studies degree and a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. His master’s thesis was on Bus Rapid Transit.

Hoai Tran

Transportation Policy Analyst

Hoai Tran is a transportation policy analyst, supporting the Office of the Secretary and FHWA on a variety of transportation projects focused on stakeholder engagement, AI capacity building, roadway safety, and transportation construction best practices. Before joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, she worked as a community wellness planner for the town of Randolph, MA where she advanced local initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes. Prior to that, Tran worked for the Conservation Law Foundation in Boston, MA. She has a BS in Environmental Science, Geology from Northeastern University and an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University.

Samuel Waitt

Technology Policy Analyst

Samuel Waitt is a technology policy analyst. He primarily manages U.S. DOT Volpe Center support to the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, including the Modernizing NEPA Challenge. Additionally, he provides support to the Department’s University Transportation Center Program (UTC), FHWA’s SBIR program, and FHWA’s EAR program.

Prior to joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Waitt spent four years as a 6th grade science teacher in central Indiana and completed a policy internship with FRA in Washington, D.C. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Purdue University.

Melissa Wong

Program Analyst

Melissa Wong has more than 25 years of experience designing, deploying, analyzing, and managing complex research and grant initiatives across the private and public sectors. She joined the U.S. DOT Volpe Center in 2013 and currently is focused on managing and supporting a number of grant programs, such as Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) and University Transportation Centers (UTC) grants. Additionally, she supports ITS JPO on connected and automated vehicles, cybersecurity, privacy, environmental applications, and strategic planning initiatives.

Before joining the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Wong was a supervisory survey statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau. Prior to that, she was an associate at Market Metrics, a market research firm focused on the financial services sector, an analyst for New York City’s Office of Budget, and the director of research at The Institute for Children and Poverty. Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Macalester College and an MPA from Columbia University, where she focused on economics and statistics.