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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Geotechnical Research Team

The geotechnical research team is currently comprised of two full-time Federal staff members, with additional full-time contract staff members, and other supplementary technical support as needed. In addition, the team occasionally hosts interns, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers on sabbaticals to augment the program.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Geotechnical Program Managers

The geotechnical research team sits on both the Bridge Engineering Team and the Infrastructure Materials Team within FHWA’s Office of Infrastructure Research and Development (R&D). In addition to conducting and overseeing research, they serve as members of various professional organizations, participate in technical committees, and serve on research panels.

Michael Adams
Research Civil Engineer
Geotechnical Laboratory Manager
Geotechnical Infrastructure Materials Program Manager

"This is a photo of Mike Adams. He is standing on steps behind the railing with FHWA spelled out in modular blocks in the background."

Jennifer Nicks Ph.D., P.E.
Research Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Infrastructure Design Program Manager

" This is a photo of Jennifer Nicks. She is standing in front of a pile of rubble and is wearing a white shirt, glasses, safety vest, and hard hat."

Visiting Researchers

The geotechnical research team occasionally hosts visiting scholars on temporary assignment, who may be postdoctoral researchers or professors on sabbatical leave. Previous scholars include:

  • Dr. Meysam Mashayekhi (University of Delaware)
  • Prof. Jonathan Wu (University of Colorado – Denver)
  • Dr. Danial Esmaili (NRC Research Associate)
  • Prof. Phillip Ooi (University of Hawaii)
  • Chris Lynch (Eastern Federal Lands)
  • Dr. Mohammed Elias (Eastern Federal Lands)
  • Dr. Naser Abu-Hejleh (FHWA Resource Center)

Research Associates and Internships

Research associate positions and summer internship opportunities with the geotechnical research team are available through the National Academies NRC Research Associate Program (RAP) and the Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG), respectively.

FHWA Geotechnical Discipline

The geotechnical research team is supported by the broader geotechnical discipline within FHWA. Find out more about our colleagues at the United States Department of Transportation headquarters, the Resource Center, Federal Lands Highway Division, and field offices. Training on geotechnical subjects is provided by the National Highway Institute.

Last updated: Wednesday, January 11, 2023