NCAT research and expertise featured on global stage at TRB Annual Meeting

Auburn University’s National Center for Asphalt Technology shared research and expertise across technical sessions, lecterns and poster presentations at the 2026 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, held January 12–15.

The conference provided NCAT staff and students with the chance to engage in discussions and knowledge exchange on topics such as advanced mixture and pavement evaluation methods, innovative materials for pavement maintenance and rehabilitation, accelerated pavement testing, emerging approaches to improving pavement performance and more.

Graduate students showcased their work through more than seven poster presentations and two lectern presentations, gaining valuable professional experience and connecting with researchers, practitioners and industry leaders across the transportation field.

NCAT graduate student Liz Valenca (left) with advisor Fan Yin (right) and Ilker Boz (center) of the Virginia Transportation Research Council beside her research poster at the TRB Annual Meeting.

Two students were selected for lectern presentations. Hilda Boateng presented her research, “Field Validation of Using Warm Mix Asphalt at Reduced Production Temperatures to Achieve Balanced Mixture Performance,” and Pascal Obeng presented his research on “Long-Term Field Performance Evaluation of Chip Seals.”

NCAT staff also supported the broader work of TRB through ongoing service on standing committees, workshops and four specialized poster presentations, sharing research findings and informing national conversations that influence practice and policy.

The center’s presence at the meeting was further highlighted by the recognition of NCAT Assistant Director and Associate Research Professor Fan Yin, who received the Academy of Pavement Science and Engineering’s (APSE) Outstanding Academic Award during the conference. The award honors academic members who have demonstrated exceptional advancements to asphalt pavement science and engineering through excellence in teaching, research and service to the industry.

Associate Research Professor Adriana Vargas was also recognized for her service to the Transportation Research Board Committee “AKN18: Pavement Maintenance, Preservation, and Rehabilitation”, receiving a certificate of recognition for her contributions.

“TRB provides an invaluable opportunity for our team to share NCAT’s work, learn from peers across the industry and strengthen the partnerships that drive meaningful progress and implementation in asphalt pavement technology and engineering,” said NCAT Director Randy West. “The engagement and professionalism of our team at this year’s meeting reflect the quality of work happening at NCAT every day.”

The TRB Annual Meeting draws thousands of transportation professionals from around the world, including policymakers, administrators, researchers and industry leaders representing government, academia and the private sector. Hosted by a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, TRB is widely regarded as a leading organization in transportation research, providing independent, evidence-based resources that help guide transportation policy and practice worldwide.

Members of the NCAT community, including faculty, students, alumni and staff, pose for a group photo at the TRB Annual Meeting.

Established in 1986 through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT addresses the needs of maintaining America’s pavement infrastructure through practical research and development initiatives. The center’s mission is to provide innovative, implementable research, technology development and education that advance safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements.  

For more information about NCAT and its research initiatives, visit ncat.us.