The 28th 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.
The 28th Annual NJDOT Research Showcase will be held in-person at the Conference Center at Mercer Community College on October 28, 2026. The event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person; however, PDH credits will only be available for in-person attendees. The theme for this year’s event is:
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Proceedings begin at 9:00 AM
LOCATION
The Conference Center at Mercer
1200 Old Trenton Road
West Windsor, NJ 08550
Registration Deadline: October 21, 2026
Registration is complimentary but required.
The Road Ahead: AI and the Future of Transportation
Agenda
9:30 AM | Introduction and Housekeeping
David Maruca, Program Development Administrator, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation
9:40 AM | Welcoming Remarks
Michael J. Manzella, Director of Statewide Planning, New Jersey Department of Transportation
9:45 AM | Opening Remarks
Priya Jain, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Transportation
9:55 AM | Keynote Address
Craig Thor, Chief Specialist, Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center, Federal Highway Administration
Matt Cuddy, Operations Research Analyst, Volpe Center, United States Department of Transportation
10:45 AM | Break
10:55 AM | Bureau of Research and Innovation Overview
Pragna Shah, Manager, Bureau of Research and Innovation, New Jersey Department of Transportation
11:00 AM | Panel Discussion: AI and the Future of Transportation
Moderator: Giri Venkiteela, Innovation Officer, NJDOT Bureau of Research and Innovation
Panelists:
- Kimbrali Davis, Executive Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Aeronautics, Outdoor Advertising & Junkyards
- Jeevanjot Singh, Executive Manager, NJDOT Bureau of Safety Improvement Program
- Giri Venkiteela, Innovation Officer, NJDOT Bureau of Research and Innovation
- Seth Wainer, Director, Department of Planning and Innovation, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
11:45 AM | Presentation of 2026 Awards
- 2026 AASHTO High Value Research Awards
- 2026 Best Poster Award
- 2026 NJDOT Build a Better Mousetrap Awards
- 2026 NJDOT Research Champion Excellence Award
- 2026 Outstanding University Student in Transportation Research Award
12:00 PM | Buffet Lunch/Break
1:00 PM | Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Safety
- Infrastructure
- Digital Transformation
- Poster Exhibit
3:00 PM | Adjourn
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:
- Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Administration (ADM) – Kelly Hutchinson
Includes Employee Op & Advancement, Employee Services, and Support Services. - Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Capital Program Management (CPM) – Parth Oza
Includes Bridge Engineering & Infrastructure Management, Capital Program Support, Construction & Materials, Construction & Materials/Alternative Project Delivery, Highway & Traffic Design, Pavement & Drainage Management, Project Management, Right of Way & Access Management, and Traffic Engineering. - Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Community Programs & Resources (CPR, formerly LRCD) – Laine Rankin
Includes Aeronautics and Modal Grants, Community Development, Environmental Resources, Local Aid & Economic Development, Maritime, Permits, Safety, and Statewide Planning. - Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Administration (FIN/ADM) – Charles Maciejunes Includes Accounting & External Audit, Budget, Capital Investment & Program Coordination, Information Technology, and Procurement.
- Reporting to Assistant Commissioner for Operations (OPS) – Christopher Feinthel
Includes Emergency Management, Mobility Engineering, Operations Support & Engineering, and Transportation Mobility.