New Faces at NCAT 2024

Zane Hartzog, Assistant Research Engineer

Zane joined NCAT after 10 years with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), where he served in various roles such as Assistant State Testing Engineer and State Bituminous Engineer. At ALDOT, Zane helped implement specifications to enhance Alabama's transportation system by improving asphalt pavement durability. At NCAT, he continues this work with Balanced Mix Design (BMD) sections for the Test Track and assists State DOTs and companies in improving pavement materials through BMD and research implementation.

Zane enjoys the hands-on aspect of working with new and interesting materials in the lab and working with diverse materials and additives from all over the country, but his favorite part of working at NCAT is the team.

Zane enjoys spending time with his wife Kasey, son Titus, and daughter Colby, as well as fly fishing, archery, and other outdoor activities.

Samantha Dixon, Assistant Research Engineer

Samantha joined NCAT after earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. Prior to NCAT, she worked as an HMA Lab Engineer at Colas Solutions, where she ran performance tests, trained technicians, and provided troubleshooting for subsidiaries. She later transitioned to Southeast Emulsions as a regional QC manager, overseeing binder and emulsion labs, training technicians, and developing Quality Management Systems.

At NCAT, Samantha focuses on projects related to Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), Balanced Mix Design (BMD), and soil stabilization. She also plays a key role in lab training and project management for the growing number of graduate students. Sam enjoys the hands-on nature of her work, the challenging projects, and the opportunity to learn something new every day.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her pets, photography, hiking, watching scary movies, and roller skating.

Graham Hurley, Assistant Research Engineer

Graham returned to NCAT in 2024 after serving as a Project Engineer with Advanced Materials Services, LLC, where he provided asphalt testing, design, and consulting services for the industry. His journey with NCAT began as a Cooperative Education student while earning his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. After graduation, he served as Lab Engineer at NCAT, overseeing laboratory research projects. As an NCAT Co-op Education alum, Graham is excited to return “home” and help guide the next generation of co-op students as they begin their careers in the asphalt industry, continuing the line of NCAT alumni that have made major impacts on the industry.

Graham’s primary focus is ensuring the timely and budget-conscious completion of the laboratory component of research projects, while also overseeing smaller independent testing through the Service Center.

Outside of work, Graham enjoys spending time with family and friends at home and on Lake Martin.

Demetrius Harper, Trucking Supervisor

Demetrius joined NCAT after a lifetime immersed in the trucking industry. Growing up around commercial vehicles, thanks to his father’s fleet ownership, he developed a strong foundation in fleet operations. Demetrius owned and operated his own trucking company for 10 years, handling fleet maintenance and managing outsourced repairs. With 15 years of experience in supervising and management, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at NCAT, where he oversees the research fleet and supervises drivers, ensuring daily safety and smooth operations.

He enjoys the opportunity to learn more about asphalt and gain insights into how roads function. Outside of work, Demetrius loves spending time outdoors, particularly hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Allison Killingsworth, Communications and Marketing Specialist

Allison graduated from Auburn University in 2021, earning a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in history and a specialization in public relations. She previously interned with the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute and recently won the Social Media Rockstar award from Auburn University for her work as Multimedia Specialist with the College of Forestry. As NCAT's communications and marketing specialist, she manages the writing and editing of news, features, technical content, web copy, and advertising, and oversees project management for print, web, marketing, and social media initiatives.

Allison has a deep passion for education, and she's excited to begin pursuing her master's degree at Auburn soon. She enjoys reading, visiting museums, studying presidential history, or spending time with her family and her cat, Miso.