Director Jennifer Dill’s message for December 2010

I hope that this, OTREC's first e-newsletter, finds you enjoying a bright holiday season. Nevertheless, the transportation field faces some cloudy skies. Uncertainty surrounds every aspect of federal transportation spending, including research and the University Transportation Center program. In spite of these doubts, how can OTREC demonstrate its continued relevance and importance?

Keep producing research that matters.

Our just-published annual report highlights our work to create a safe and sustainable transportation system. Many of the very agencies that will put our findings to use have put up matching money for projects, ensuring the research is put to use.

Get our work to the people who can use it.

Too often, research results appear only in technical reports and academic journals. While important, these sources—even including our annual report—don’t always reach the engineers, planners and decision makers who can use the findings. OTREC goes further, using tools such as project briefs, social media, a new website and events for professionals. We also help faculty members communicate more effectively with our many audiences.

Collaborate.

Itself a collaboration among four universities and numerous disciplines, OTREC also works closely with neighboring UTCs to better inform our work and avoid duplicating efforts.

Push forward.

More than just funding projects, OTREC increases the research and education capacity of our campuses through three initiatives: the Oregon Modeling Collaborative, the Sustainable Cities Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

Use education to solve local and national problems.

There’s no better tool to address tricky transportation issues than the flexible thinkers we’re challenging and nurturing at our campuses.

With these things in mind, we’re not just looking at the horizon hoping the clouds clear; we’re working to bring brighter days.

Jennifer Dill, Ph.D.
Director, Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium
Associate Professor, Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning
Portland State University