2024 TIDC New England Railroad Symposium

Future of Rail in New England

Join TIDC Researchers and Industry Professionals at the
2024 TIDC New England Railroad Symposium
Hosted Virtually on February 21st
Starting at 9am EST

Certificate of Attendance HERE

2024 Recordings

Keynote

Kari Gonzales, MxV Rail – Moving Rail Forward
Keynote Q&A

Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

Caroline Kieltyka, Accelerating Progress: A Year in Review of TIME for CT Rail Initiatives
Andre St. Germain and Patrick Higgins, Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads
Janek Kozlowski, Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in Southern New England
Session 1 Q&A

Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

Patricia Quinn, The Future of Rail Workforce: Passenger Rail Perspective
Meredith Slesinger, Workforce Needs in an Era of Federal Investment
Julia Costello, Building the Workforce of America’s Railroad
Dr. J. Riley Edwards, RailTECs Research and Educational Program – Elements of a Rail Program Successes and Lessons Learned
Session 2 Q&A

Last year’s Keynote

2023 Symposium

Check out the 2023 TIDC New England Railroad Symposium Presentation Recordings

2023 Keynote by David A. Fink of Pan Am Group LLC

Future of Rail in New England

Agenda Summary

9:00 AM – Opening Remarks

  • Dr. Habib Dagher, P.E., Director, Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center; Executive Director, Advanced Structures & Composites Center

9:30 AM – Keynote

  • Moderator
    • Jeff Pulver, Director, Research & Innovation Office – MaineDOT
  • Keynote Speaker
    • Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV Rail

10:15 AM – Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

  • Moderator
    • Nate Moulton, Director, Office of Freight and Passenger Services – MaineDOT
  • Speakers
    • Andre St. Germain, Associate Vice President & Structural Department Manager, & Patrick Higgins, Transportation Planner III, Transit & Rail, Northeast, AECOM
    • Caroline Kieltyka, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Connecticut DOT
    • Janek Kozlowski, Director, Operating Capital Projects New York, Metro-North Railroad

11:35 AM – Break

12:00 PM – Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

  • Moderator
    • Amanda Collamore, Education & Outreach Manager, Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center – UMaine
  • Speakers
    • Patricia Quinn, Executive Director,
      Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
    • Julia Costello, Director – Talent Acquisition Support, Amtrak
    • Meredith Slesinger, Rail and Transit Administrator, MassDOT
    • Dr. J. Riley Edwards, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

1:20 PM – Closing

1:30 PM – Adjourn

UMaine team with concrete railroad bridge ballast retainers designed with 7,000lbs of 3D printed formwork and cast by American Concrete in Veazie, Maine

Concrete railroad bridge ballast retainer during installation for a Maine railroad bridge

WNEU Project to reduce stress induced failure of concrete railroad ties using carbon fiber strands

WNEU Project to reduce stress-induced failure of concrete railroad ties using ultra-strong concrete with carbon fiber strands

Century old Devon bridge being studied by UConn Researchers

Century old Devon bridge being studied by UConn Researchers

UConn Student wit assessment and monitoring equipment underneath a railroad bridge

UConn Student with assessment and monitoring equipment underneath a railroad bridge

Future of Rail in New England

Meet the Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Kari Gonzales
President & CEO

Kari Gonzales is President & CEO of MxV Rail, the world’s premier rail research advisory. Since taking the role in 2021, Kari has spearheaded the company’s transformation from TTCI to MxV Rail.

Kari has been a part of MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads since 2000, advancing from a student intern to a research engineer, and transitioning to Vice President and CFO before assuming the role of President & CEO. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, holds an MBA from Regis University, Denver.

She was recognized by Progressive Railroading magazine as a 2014 “Rising Star.” In 2023, Kari was named the League of Railway Women’s Railway Woman of the Year.

MxV Rail – Moving Rail Forward

Ms. Gonzales will provide an overview of MxV Rail’s position as the industry’s research partner and independent advisory. Specifically, Ms. Gonzales will share insight on how MxV Rail continues to meet evolving railroad challenges with proven problem solving. Highlights from the North American Railroads’ Strategic Research Initiative program will be shared along with some of the new, innovative solutions being introduced into the freight rail market.

Keynote Moderator
Jeff Pulver, P.E.
Director of Research and Innovation
MaineDOT

Jeff Pulver is the Director of Research and Innovation at
the Maine Department of Transportation. He has been with the MaineDOT since
2018, working as an Assistant Engineer and a Civil Transportation Engineer.
Prior to his work at MaineDOT, Jeff was a Design Engineer at Gorrill Palmer. Jeff
has a BS in Civil Engineering and Transportation and Highway Engineering from
the University of Maine. Jeff also serves on the Transportation Infrastructure Durability
Center’s Advisory Board.

Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

Panel Discussion

Moderator
Nate Moulton
Director
Office of Freight and Passenger Services, MaineDOT

February 2017 to present, Director, Office of Freight and Passenger Services (OFPS) MaineDOT. The OFPS forms policy, programs, and projects that improve Maine’s transportation network as a cohesive system. September 2003 to February 2017, Director, Rail Program, MaineDOT. He works with businesses throughout the state on transportation issues, and promotes rail use throughout the state.

From June 1999 to September 2003, Deputy Director, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA). Management of $62M passenger rail rehab project for Downeaster Service, oversight of Downeaster startup and operations. B.S. in Business Administration, University of Maine 1987.

Andre St. Germain, P.E.
Structural Department Manager, Vice President, Connecticut
AECOM

Andre St. Germain, P.E. obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He is a structural engineer and project manager with over 14 years of experience in the design, oversight, and management of highway and railway bridge infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation projects throughout New England and New York.

Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads

AECOM will present some of their recent work with the CTDOT and other agencies in New England, including projects in all three phases of planning, design, and construction. Topics will include the CT State Rail Plan, grant applications, New Haven Line simulations, design of the Devon Bridge Replacement and Metro-North TIME-1 projects, and construction inspection of the Walk Bridge Replacement and the CT River Movable Bridge Replacement.

Patrick Higgins
Transportation Planner III, Transit & Rail, Northeast
AECOM

Patrick Higgins is a passenger and freight rail expert specializing in multi-agency capital and operations planning, grant writing, and program management. Patrick is a certified project manager and recent successful projects include securing approximately $1.3 billion in CRISI and FSP-NEC grant funding for a variety of railroads including Amtrak, G&W, Housatonic Railroad, and Metro-North Railroad (via CTDOT).

Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads

AECOM will present some of their recent work with the CTDOT and other agencies in New England, including projects in all three phases of planning, design, and construction. Topics will include the CT State Rail Plan, grant applications, New Haven Line simulations, design of the Devon Bridge Replacement and Metro-North TIME-1 projects, and construction inspection of the Walk Bridge Replacement and the CT River Movable Bridge Replacement.

Caroline Kieltyka
Strategic Initiatives Manager
Connecticut DOT


Caroline Kieltyka is the Strategic Initiative Manager for the Connecticut Department of Transportation Office of Rail. As the Strategic Initiatives Manager, her role involves a combination of project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining CTDOT, she worked for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) focusing on technical and policy activities related to freight, rail, and transportation planning. Caroline earned a bachelor’s degree in government and environmental studies from St. Lawrence University.

Accelerating Progress: A Year in Review of TIME for CT Rail Initiatives

CTDOT will focus on a year in review of Connecticut’s TIME for CT Rail Initiatives. Learn how our efforts are accelerating towards the vision of the future of Connecticut’s rail network, aimed at saving passengers 25 minutes by 2035 through strategic investments in trains, tracks, stations, and bridges.

Jan Kozlowski
Director
Operating Capital Projects
Metro North Railroad

BS in Civil Engineering and MBA. Officer for 26 years in the US Army (Combat Engineer). Served in the Pentagon and headed the design and construction of all logistical infrastructure (roads, airfields, ports, camps, pipelines, etc) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now working 17 years at Metro-North Railroad. Worked up through the ranks of the Transportation Dept (which runs the trains) and currently in the Maintenance of Way Dept (which maintains all infrastructure).

Future of Freight and Passenger Rail in southern New England (with a particular focus on infrastructure challenges, advancements & plans in Metro-North Railroad’s operating territory)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is embarking on a major program to rebuild and upgrade its rail infrastructure in Connecticut, with a primary focus on the territory served by Metro-North (MNR). The territory served by MNR carries the most passengers in the state, and the trunk New Haven Line is the busiest passenger rail corridor in North America. But these rail lines operate on antiquated infrastructure, some of it past its design life. This infrastructure is not only hard pressed in properly supporting legacy train operations, but it is inadequate to support future services, such as Amtrak’s Avelia service. The problem lies in rebuilding major infrastructure while not disrupting an immense and ever-growing passenger service.

Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

Panel Discussion

Moderator
Amanda Collamore
TIDC Education & Outreach Manager
University of Maine

Amanda Collamore is the Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center’s (TIDC) Education and Outreach Manager at the University of Maine. Her role focuses on bringing the next generation of transportation workforce to the field through K-12 outreach activities and developing and providing professional development opportunities for the current workforce. Amanda has been with TIDC at the University of Maine since 2018. Amanda also serves as a State Representative and the ranking member on the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement, and Business. Prior to her work at the University of Maine, Amanda worked for Kennebec Valley Community College as the Learning Commons Support Specialist, Mathematics Workshop Coordinator, and a Professional Tutor in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. Amanda has her degree in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is a Certified Behavioral Health Professional and owns a photography business. Amanda is passionate about education and encouraging youth to enter the transportation workforce in the path that works best for them.

Patricia Quinn
Executive Director
Northern New
England Passenger Rail Authority

Patricia has been a NNEPRA team member since 2000.  She is responsible for oversight of staff, service development and planning.  Patricia serves on the Executive Committee of both the State Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) and the States for Passenger Rail Coalition (SPRC), is a member of the PACTS Transit Committee, and participates in the Transportation Working Group of the Maine Climate Council.

The Future of Rail Workforce: Passenger Rail Perspective

Patricia Quinn provides an overview of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and their perspectives on the future of the workforce in the rail industry, particularly concerning passenger rail.

Julia Costello
Director of
Talent Acquisition
Amtrak

Julia is the Director of Talent Acquisition for Amtrak with a background in Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, EEO Compliance, Policy Oversight, Employee Engagement, HR Strategy, Mediation and Facilitation. As a result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act, Julia rebuilt Talent Acquisition functions including Recruitment Marketing, Future Careers Programs, Diversity Recruitment, School Partnerships and Pre-Employment Clearances to build Amtrak’s future workforce that will expand or improve rail service for 20 million more riders annually. 

Workforce Development Needs

Amtrak will discuss the changing workforce environment in passenger rail, focusing on workforce development needs following federal investment in passenger rail from IIJA.

  • Workforce growth and rail expansion
  • Strategic workforce planning and cross-organizational collaboration
  • Recruiting methods to meet growth demands

Meredith Slesinger
Rail and Transit
Administrator
MassDOT

Meredith joined MassDOT in August 2020 and now serves as the Rail and Transit Administrator. The Rail & Transit Division oversees the Commonwealth’s passenger and freight rail programs and the 15 Regional Transit Authorities which provide fixed route and demand response bus service outside Greater Boston. Previously, she was the senior director of strategic planning at Amtrak where she led special projects such as developing Amtrak’s five-year business plans and staffing the Board of Directors. She graduated from New York University.

Workforce Needs in an Era of Federal Investment

While recent federal legislation has led to historic investment in rail infrastructure projects, the simultaneous – and substantial – awards will lead to a competition for resources. States, transit authorities, and private railroads will be seeking design and construction services from a constrained workforce. Project success will depend on strong partnerships and thorough planning. MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division intends to lean on its early preparedness to advance projects on time and on budget.

Dr. J. Riley Edwards
Assistant Professor
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign;
RailTEC

J. Riley Edwards is an Assistant Professor in the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois), where he oversees rail infrastructure research and advises students. He obtained his BS in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2004, MS from Illinois in 2006, and a PhD from Illinois in 2019. After graduation, he worked for Hanson Professional Services, Inc. as a Construction Engineer on BNSF Railway’s Memphis Intermodal Expansion project in Tennessee. His research interests include the design and performance of railway track components.

RailTEC’s Research and Educational Program — Elements of a Rail Program: Successes and Lessons Learned

The development of an impactful rail transportation and engineering academic center requires strong focus on developing repeatable and impactful methods for generating research results, course offerings, and service impacts. This presentation will provide insight into how prior successes can be replicated to meet the workforce development needs in the rail engineering sector and will also include a discussion of lessons learned and tips for future success.

Future of Rail in New England

Symposium Committee

Dr. Habib Dagher, P.E.
TIDC Director
University of Maine

Dale Peabody, P.E.
Advisory Board Chair
TIDC

James R. Bryce
TIDC Senior Program Manager
University of Maine

Ramesh Malla Portrait

Dr. Ramesh Malla
Prof. Civil & Env. Engineering
University of Connecticut

Dr. Moochul Shin Portrait

Dr. Moochul Shin
Associate Prof. Civil & Env. Engineering
Western New England University

Amanda Collamore
TIDC Education & Outreach Manager
University of Maine

TIDC Communications Specialist Aaron Schanck

Aaron Schanck
TIDC Communications Specialist
University of Maine

Genna O’Berrin
TIDC Administrative Specialist
University of Maine

University of Connecticut Logo

Future of Rail in New England

Join TIDC Researchers and Industry Professionals at the 2024 TIDC New England Railroad Symposium Hosted Virtually on February 21st Starting at 9am EST

Certificate of Attendance HERE

2024 Recordings

Keynote

Kari Gonzales, MxV Rail – Moving Rail Forward
Keynote Q&A

Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

Caroline Kieltyka, Accelerating Progress: A Year in Review of TIME for CT Rail Initiatives
Andre St. Germain and Patrick Higgins, Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads
Janek Kozlowski, Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in Southern New England
Session 1 Q&A

Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

Patricia Quinn, The Future of Rail Workforce: Passenger Rail Perspective
Meredith Slesinger, Workforce Needs in an Era of Federal Investment
Julia Costello, Building the Workforce of America’s Railroad
Dr. J. Riley Edwards, RailTECs Research and Educational Program – Elements of a Rail Program Successes and Lessons Learned
Session 2 Q&A

last year’s Keynote

2023 Symposium

Check out the 2023 TIDC New England Railroad Symposium Presentation Recordings

2023 Keynote by David A. Fink of Pan Am Group LLC

9:00 AM – Opening Remarks

  • Dr. Habib Dagher, P.E., Director, Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center; Executive Director, Advanced Structures & Composites Center

9:30 AM – Keynote

  • Moderator
    • Jeff Pulver, Director, Research & Innovation Office – MaineDOT
  • Keynote Speaker
    • Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV Rail

10:15 AM – Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

  • Moderator
    • Nate Moulton, Director, Office of Freight and Passenger Services – MaineDOT
  • Speakers
    • Andre St. Germain, Associate Vice President & Structural Department Manager, & Patrick Higgins, Transportation Planner III, Transit & Rail, Northeast, AECOM
    • Caroline Kieltyka, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Connecticut DOT
    • Janek Kozlowski, Director, Operating Capital Projects New York, Metro-North Railroad

11:35 AM – Break

12:00 PM – Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

  • Moderator
    • Amanda Collamore, Education & Outreach Manager, Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center – UMaine
  • Speakers
    • Patricia Quinn, Executive Director,
      Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
    • Julia Costello, Director – Talent Acquisition Support, Amtrak
    • Meredith Slesinger, Rail and Transit Administrator, MassDOT
    • Dr. J. Riley Edwards, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

1:20 PM – Closing

1:30 PM – Adjourn

UMaine team with concrete railroad bridge ballast retainers designed with 7,000lbs of 3D printed formwork and cast by American Concrete in Veazie, Maine

Concrete railroad bridge ballast retainer during installation for a Maine railroad bridge

WNEU Project to reduce stress induced failure of concrete railroad ties using carbon fiber strands

WNEU Project to reduce stress-induced failure of concrete railroad ties using ultra-strong concrete with carbon fiber strands

Century old Devon bridge being studied by UConn Researchers

Century old Devon bridge being studied by UConn Researchers

UConn Student wit assessment and monitoring equipment underneath a railroad bridge

UConn Student with assessment and monitoring equipment underneath a railroad bridge

Keynote Speaker

Kari Gonzales
President & CEO

Kari Gonzales is President & CEO of MxV Rail, the world’s premier rail research advisory. Since taking the role in 2021, Kari has spearheaded the company’s transformation from TTCI to MxV Rail.

Kari has been a part of MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads since 2000, advancing from a student intern to a research engineer, and transitioning to Vice President and CFO before assuming the role of President & CEO. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, holds an MBA from Regis University, Denver.

She was recognized by Progressive Railroading magazine as a 2014 “Rising Star.” In 2023, Kari was named the League of Railway Women’s Railway Woman of the Year.

MxV Rail – Moving Rail Forward

Ms. Gonzales will provide an overview of MxV Rail’s position as the industry’s research partner and independent advisory. Specifically, Ms. Gonzales will share insight on how MxV Rail continues to meet evolving railroad challenges with proven problem solving. Highlights from the North American Railroads’ Strategic Research Initiative program will be shared along with some of the new, innovative solutions being introduced into the freight rail market.

Keynote Moderator
Jeff Pulver, P.E.
Director of Research and Innovation
MaineDOT

Jeff Pulver is the Director of Research and Innovation at
the Maine Department of Transportation. He has been with the MaineDOT since
2018, working as an Assistant Engineer and a Civil Transportation Engineer.
Prior to his work at MaineDOT, Jeff was a Design Engineer at Gorrill Palmer. Jeff
has a BS in Civil Engineering and Transportation and Highway Engineering from
the University of Maine. Jeff also serves on the Transportation Infrastructure Durability
Center’s Advisory Board.

Session 1: Future of Freight & Passenger Rail in New England

Panel Discussion

Moderator
Nate Moulton
Director
Office of Freight and Passenger Services, MaineDOT

February 2017 to present, Director, Office of Freight and Passenger Services (OFPS) MaineDOT. The OFPS forms policy, programs, and projects that improve Maine’s transportation network as a cohesive system. September 2003 to February 2017, Director, Rail Program, MaineDOT. He works with businesses throughout the state on transportation issues, and promotes rail use throughout the state.

From June 1999 to September 2003, Deputy Director, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA). Management of $62M passenger rail rehab project for Downeaster Service, oversight of Downeaster startup and operations. B.S. in Business Administration, University of Maine 1987.

Andre St. Germain, P.E.
Structural Department Manager, Vice President, Connecticut
AECOM

Andre St. Germain, P.E. obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He is a structural engineer and project manager with over 14 years of experience in the design, oversight, and management of highway and railway bridge infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation projects throughout New England and New York.

Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads

AECOM will present some of their recent work with the CTDOT and other agencies in New England, including projects in all three phases of planning, design, and construction. Topics will include the CT State Rail Plan, grant applications, New Haven Line simulations, design of the Devon Bridge Replacement and Metro-North TIME-1 projects, and construction inspection of the Walk Bridge Replacement and the CT River Movable Bridge Replacement.

Patrick Higgins
Transportation Planner III, Transit & Rail, Northeast
AECOM

Patrick Higgins is a passenger and freight rail expert specializing in multi-agency capital and operations planning, grant writing, and program management. Patrick is a certified project manager and recent successful projects include securing approximately $1.3 billion in CRISI and FSP-NEC grant funding for a variety of railroads including Amtrak, G&W, Housatonic Railroad, and Metro-North Railroad (via CTDOT).

Complimentary Railroading: How Planning, Design & Construction Improve New England’s Railroads

AECOM will present some of their recent work with the CTDOT and other agencies in New England, including projects in all three phases of planning, design, and construction. Topics will include the CT State Rail Plan, grant applications, New Haven Line simulations, design of the Devon Bridge Replacement and Metro-North TIME-1 projects, and construction inspection of the Walk Bridge Replacement and the CT River Movable Bridge Replacement.

Caroline Kieltyka
Strategic Initiatives Manager
Connecticut DOT


Caroline Kieltyka is the Strategic Initiative Manager for the Connecticut Department of Transportation Office of Rail. As the Strategic Initiatives Manager, her role involves a combination of project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining CTDOT, she worked for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) focusing on technical and policy activities related to freight, rail, and transportation planning. Caroline earned a bachelor’s degree in government and environmental studies from St. Lawrence University.

Accelerating Progress: A Year in Review of TIME for CT Rail Initiatives

CTDOT will focus on a year in review of Connecticut’s TIME for CT Rail Initiatives. Learn how our efforts are accelerating towards the vision of the future of Connecticut’s rail network, aimed at saving passengers 25 minutes by 2035 through strategic investments in trains, tracks, stations, and bridges.

Jan Kozlowski
Director
Operating Capital Projects
Metro North Railroad

BS in Civil Engineering and MBA. Officer for 26 years in the US Army (Combat Engineer). Served in the Pentagon and headed the design and construction of all logistical infrastructure (roads, airfields, ports, camps, pipelines, etc) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Now working 17 years at Metro-North Railroad. Worked up through the ranks of the Transportation Dept (which runs the trains) and currently in the Maintenance of Way Dept (which maintains all infrastructure).

Future of Freight and Passenger Rail in southern New England (with a particular focus on infrastructure challenges, advancements & plans in Metro-North Railroad’s operating territory)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is embarking on a major program to rebuild and upgrade its rail infrastructure in Connecticut, with a primary focus on the territory served by Metro-North (MNR). The territory served by MNR carries the most passengers in the state, and the trunk New Haven Line is the busiest passenger rail corridor in North America. But these rail lines operate on antiquated infrastructure, some of it past its design life. This infrastructure is not only hard pressed in properly supporting legacy train operations, but it is inadequate to support future services, such as Amtrak’s Avelia service. The problem lies in rebuilding major infrastructure while not disrupting an immense and ever-growing passenger service.

Session 2: The Future of Rail Workforce in New England

Panel Discussion

Moderator
Amanda Collamore
TIDC Education & Outreach Manager
University of Maine

Amanda Collamore is the Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center’s (TIDC) Education and Outreach Manager at the University of Maine. Her role focuses on bringing the next generation of transportation workforce to the field through K-12 outreach activities and developing and providing professional development opportunities for the current workforce. Amanda has been with TIDC at the University of Maine since 2018. Amanda also serves as a State Representative and the ranking member on the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement, and Business. Prior to her work at the University of Maine, Amanda worked for Kennebec Valley Community College as the Learning Commons Support Specialist, Mathematics Workshop Coordinator, and a Professional Tutor in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. Amanda has her degree in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is a Certified Behavioral Health Professional and owns a photography business. Amanda is passionate about education and encouraging youth to enter the transportation workforce in the path that works best for them.

Patricia Quinn
Executive Director
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority

Patricia has been a NNEPRA team member since 2000.  She is responsible for oversight of staff, service development and planning.  Patricia serves on the Executive Committee of both the State Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) and the States for Passenger Rail Coalition (SPRC), is a member of the PACTS Transit Committee, and participates in the Transportation Working Group of the Maine Climate Council.

The Future of Rail Workforce: Passenger Rail Perspective

Patricia Quinn provides an overview of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and their perspectives on the future of the workforce in the rail industry, particularly concerning passenger rail.

Julia Costello
Director of Talent Acquisition
Amtrak

Julia is the Director of Talent Acquisition for Amtrak with a background in Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, EEO Compliance, Policy Oversight, Employee Engagement, HR Strategy, Mediation and Facilitation. As a result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment in Jobs Act, Julia rebuilt Talent Acquisition functions including Recruitment Marketing, Future Careers Programs, Diversity Recruitment, School Partnerships and Pre-Employment Clearances to build Amtrak’s future workforce that will expand or improve rail service for 20 million more riders annually. 

Workforce Development Needs

Amtrak will discuss the changing workforce environment in passenger rail, focusing on workforce development needs following federal investment in passenger rail from IIJA.

  • Workforce growth and rail expansion
  • Strategic workforce planning and cross-organizational collaboration
  • Recruiting methods to meet growth demands

Meredith Slesinger
Rail and Transit
Administrator
MassDOT

Meredith joined MassDOT in August 2020 and now serves as the Rail and Transit Administrator. The Rail & Transit Division oversees the Commonwealth’s passenger and freight rail programs and the 15 Regional Transit Authorities which provide fixed route and demand response bus service outside Greater Boston. Previously, she was the senior director of strategic planning at Amtrak where she led special projects such as developing Amtrak’s five-year business plans and staffing the Board of Directors. She graduated from New York University.

Workforce Needs in an Era of Federal Investment

While recent federal legislation has led to historic investment in rail infrastructure projects, the simultaneous – and substantial – awards will lead to a competition for resources. States, transit authorities, and private railroads will be seeking design and construction services from a constrained workforce. Project success will depend on strong partnerships and thorough planning. MassDOT’s Rail and Transit Division intends to lean on its early preparedness to advance projects on time and on budget.

Dr. J. Riley Edwards
Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; RailTEC

J. Riley Edwards is an Assistant Professor in the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois), where he oversees rail infrastructure research and advises students. He obtained his BS in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2004, MS from Illinois in 2006, and a PhD from Illinois in 2019. After graduation, he worked for Hanson Professional Services, Inc. as a Construction Engineer on BNSF Railway’s Memphis Intermodal Expansion project in Tennessee. His research interests include the design and performance of railway track components.

RailTEC’s Research and Educational Program — Elements of a Rail Program: Successes and Lessons Learned

The development of an impactful rail transportation and engineering academic center requires strong focus on developing repeatable and impactful methods for generating research results, course offerings, and service impacts. This presentation will provide insight into how prior successes can be replicated to meet the workforce development needs in the rail engineering sector and will also include a discussion of lessons learned and tips for future success.

Dr. Habib Dagher, P.E.
TIDC Director
University of Maine

Dale Peabody, P.E.
Advisory Board Chair
TIDC

James R. Bryce
TIDC Senior Program Manager
University of Maine

Ramesh Malla Portrait

Dr. Ramesh Malla
Prof. Civil & Env. Engineering
University of Connecticut

Dr. Moochul Shin Portrait

Dr. Moochul Shin
Associate Prof. Civil & Env. Engineering
Western New England University

Amanda Collamore
TIDC Education & Outreach Manager
University of Maine

TIDC Communications Specialist Aaron Schanck

Aaron Schanck
TIDC Communications Specialist
University of Maine

Genna O’Berrin
TIDC Administrative Specialist
University of Maine

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