NCAT faculty promoted to research professors

Fan Yin and Adriana Vargas, faculty members at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University, have been promoted to research professors in recognition of their leadership and impact in graduate student development and asphalt pavement research.

Yin specializes in advanced asphalt materials characterization, balanced mix design, and sustainable asphalt materials, including RAP, RAS, rejuvenators, WMA and recycled plastics. He joined NCAT in 2016 as a postdoctoral researcher after earning his PhD in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 2015.

Vargas specializes in pavement preservation, maintenance and rehabilitation, as well as pavement management and performance evaluation. She joined NCAT in 2016 and previously served as a graduate research and teaching assistant at NCAT while earning her master’s and PhD in civil engineering from Auburn University in 2007 and 2012, respectively. She also brings additional professional and research experience beyond her time at Auburn.

“These promotions reflect the leadership and impact Fan and Adriana bring to NCAT and the broader asphalt community,” said Randy West, NCAT director. “Both have made significant contributions to advancing practical, implementable research while also playing a critical role in mentoring and developing our graduate students.”

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 our research, visit ncat.us