Message From Dr. Doug Kreis, Director

At this time last year I commented on FY 2026 being just around the corner. Now it has arrived, quicker than any of us could have imagined! The final months of FY 2025 were fast-paced and eventful, with researchers placing the final touches on projects and tidying up loose ends. Our staff completed 23 research reports during the fiscal year, which is in line with our long-term average and demonstrates the Center remains very productive. Year-to-year fluctuations in the number of reports completed are the norm due to the rhythms of the research calendar — some years we have more projects closing out than others. Next year, I expect to see an uptick in report completions. In addition to reports, throughout the year we continued delivering the training, expertise, and guidance KYTC and our other partners rely on to strengthen their operations and improve decision making. While publication numbers is a key metric we use to evaluate KTC’s performance, we know that building and sustaining enduring relationships with our partners provides the foundation for everything we do. With that in mind, during the upcoming fiscal year I am challenging everyone at the Center to deepen their relationships Cabinet personnel and establish new connections with early- and mid-career agency staff. This is critical for shoring up the long-term success of our shared research and technology transfer programs.

I always reserve a little bit of space in my Q4 message to report briefly on the next fiscal year’s SPR program. This year is no different. I am happy to announce that KYTC has funded 15 new research projects. The disciplinary breadth of these projects reflects the wide-ranging expertise of KTC’s researchers and the Cabinet’s confidence in our interdisciplinary acumen and ability to deliver meaningful results. We’ll provide more details on projects selected for the SPR program in next quarter’s newsletter.

In April, I was fortunate to take part in a roundtable discussion honoring KYTC Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock during his induction into the Pigman College of Engineering’s Hall of Distinction. Mike has spent his career as a champion for transportation in Kentucky and has been a long-time advocate for the Center’s work. I was thrilled to sit with Mike, Jim Gray, James Ballinger, and Sebastian Bryson and hear Mike reflect on his time spent at the Cabinet and the value of public service.

Before wrapping up, I want to recognize Martha Horseman, who recently received a National Program Achievement Award from the National Local & Tribal Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA). In addition to leading our Technology Transfer Program and coordinating the delivery of over 300 trainings every year, Martha is also a past president of NLTAPA. Her contributions are leaving lasting imprint on Kentucky’s transportation industry and beyond, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award.

The beginning of a new fiscal year ushers in opportunities, but also uncertainties. Optimist that I am, I encourage our staff to always focus on the opportunities and to persevere in the face of uncertainty. If we continue to deliver good work, I am certain the opportunities will outnumber the uncertainties! I look forward to updating you on our collective progress in a few months.