FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Heather Nachtmann has been appointed as the new director for the Mack-Blackwell Rural Transportation Center. Nachtmann is an associate professor in the department of industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Heather Nachtmann

Nachtmann has established a research program in economic decision analysis and uncertainty modeling.  Her current research focuses on improving decision making through proper handling of uncertainty data elements with applications to transportation, logistics and manufacturing systems. 

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with our excellent staff and faculty in this capacity.  I think our new structure is a true indication of the multi-disciplinary nature of MBTC,” said Nachtmann. 

The center was recently selected to participate as a member of the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence.  Institutions that make up the NTSCOE are funded by the federal government to conduct research that will improve the security of America’s transportation systems.  This homeland security research funding is part of the Improving America’s Security Act of 2007, which President Bush signed into law Aug. 3. 

“We are going to be busy gearing up for our new designation as a member of the Department of Homeland Security's NTSCOE, and positioning the center for the reauthorization of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users legislation,” Nachtmann said.

Nachtmann, and two engineering associates, recently completed a study titled “Homeland Security for Rural Transportation Networks.”  This study was different from most transportation studies, because it focused on the protection of rural infrastructure.  Federal money has traditionally gone to study the protection of urban infrastructure.  The center’s emphasis on rural transportation allows researchers to break from the mold to find ways to make transportation systems safer for people throughout the country who live in or travel through rural areas.

Kevin Hall

Kevin Hall, professor and department head of civil engineering, is now the executive director with oversight responsibility for the center and its technology transfer branch, the Center for Training Transportation Professionals.  Jack Buffington, research professor of civil engineering, will now serve as the associate director. 

 “The Mack-Blackwell center is uniquely situated to address key transportation issues - particularly those in rural locations,” said Hall. “Our past studies have encompassed an array of systems, including highways, airfields, waterways, rail, trucking and logistics. We are fortunate that we can draw on a wealth of expertise here at the University of Arkansas and partner with other universities, agencies and companies to provide real solutions to infrastructure-related needs.”

The center works with a diverse population of researchers. Each year, the center seeks the input of researchers from the University of Arkansas and other academic institutions in order to obtain problem statements that form the basis of future research projects. These problem statements come from researchers based in colleges of engineering, agriculture, business administration and arts and sciences. 

Over the past 15 years, the center has sponsored 143 researchers from 12 universities in nine states. This number is expected to increase with the new homeland security mission.