27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase (In-Person or Virtual) - October 29, 2025 - 8:30am to 3:00pm

27th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase
"Preparing the Workforce for the Future"

The 27th Annual New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Research Showcase is an opportunity for New Jersey’s transportation community to experience the broad scope of ongoing academic research initiatives and share technology transfer activities being conducted by institutions of higher education (IHE) partners and their associates. It also serves to highlight the benefits of transportation research, including NJDOT’s own program. As part of the event, the annual implementation award and recognition of outstanding university students studying in a transportation-related field will be presented. The agenda will include a general session, topical breakout sessions, and a poster display area. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.

This year’s event will be held in-person at Mercer County Community College – The Conference Center at Mercer, in West Windsor, NJ. The event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. PDH credit will only be provided to in-person attendees. You will be asked to select in-person attendance or virtual attendance when you register. Information on accessing the livestream will be provided in registration reminder emails.

The registration deadline is October 20, 2025.

Please be sure to select the correct attendance option, attending in-person or attending virtual, as your selection will be final and cannot be changed once registered.

All NJDOT personnel should follow internal procedures for permission to attend. Capital Program Management will have an approved list of attendees. Please ensure your name is on the list prior to registering.

*When registering, NJDOT personnel will be asked to identify which Assistant Commissioner their unit reports to:

1. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Capital Program Management (CPM)
   Includes Highway & Traffic Design, Traffic Engineering, Pavement & Drainage Management, Right of Way & Access Management, Capital Program Support, Project Management, Bridge Engineering & Infrastructure Management, Maritime, Construction & Materials, and Construction & Materials/Alternative Project Delivery.
2. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Local Resources and Community Development (LRCD)
   Includes Local Aid & Economic Development, Community Development, Aeronautics and Modal Grants, Major Access Permits, and Environmental Resources.
3. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Statewide Planning, Safety, and Capital Investment (SPSCI)
   Includes Statewide Planning, Safety, and Capital Investment.
4. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner ​for Operations (OPS)
   Includes Transportation Mobility, Mobility Engineering, Operations Support & Engineering, and Emergency Management.
5. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner Kelly Hutchinson (Administration) Includes Employee Services, Employee Op & Advancement, Support Services
6. Reporting to Assistant Commissioner Charles Maciejunes (Finance and Administration) Includes Budget, Accounting & External Audit, Procurement, Information Technology

Credits:
Meets requirements for up to 2 professional development hours (PDHs) for continuing professional competency for licensed professional engineers. AICP credit is currently under review.

Organizer:
This program is organized by the NJDOT Bureau of Research, Innovation & Information Transfer in partnership with the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).

Sponsor:
The 27th Annual Research Showcase is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Agenda:

9:30 a.m.
Introduction and Housekeeping
David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation

9:40 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
Eric Powers, Assistant Commissioner of Statewide Planning, Safety and Capital Investment, New Jersey Department of Transportation

9:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks 
Francis K. O’Connor, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation

9:50 a.m.  
Keynote Address
Debra Sabatini-Hennelly, Resiliti
The Key to Unlocking Engagement, Collaboration and Innovation in the Future Workforce

10:30 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m.  
Panel Discussion: How are New Jersey Transportation Agencies Preparing the Workforce for the Future?

Moderator: 
David Maruca, Program Development Administrator
Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT)

Panelists:

•  Anthony Ennas, Senior Director of Statewide Operations, New Jersey Department of Transportation

•  Kelly Hutchinson, Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources, New Jersey Department of Transportation

•  Savita Lachman, Deputy Chief of Human Resources for New Jersey Transit

•  Christen Thomas, Senior Manager, Deloitte Consulting LLP

11:45 a.m.
Presentation of 2025 Awards

• 2025 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award

•  2025 NJDOT Research Implementation Award

•  2025 Best Poster Award

•  2025 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Award

•  2025 AASHTO High Value Research Honorable Mention Awards

12:00 p.m.  
Buffet Lunch/Break

1:00 p.m.  
Concurrent breakout sessions

•  Safety

•  Infrastructure

•  Workforce Development and Knowledge Management

•  Poster Exhibit

3:00 p.m.
Adjourn