By Dr. Huaguo Zhou
Dr. Zhou at the TRB Annual Meeting.
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) serves as a platform for addressing transportation challenges, bringing together experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore solutions in how people and goods move—whether by car, train, plane, or bicycle. This year, I had the opportunity to attend the TRB Annual Meeting and present six posters alongside four of my graduate students (Figure 1) in Washington, D.C. The conference brought together engineers, planners, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to share ideas on making transportation more efficient, safer, and sustainable.
Sustainability isn’t just a concept discussed at TRB—it’s something we practice on our trip. My students and I took several cost-effective and waste-reducing measures: carpooling to Atlanta Airport, sharing an Airbnb, and walking to and from the conference venue. Small steps like these can contribute to more sustainable transportation.
A key focus of this year’s conference was addressing sustainability and resilience in every phase of transportation projects—including planning, design, operations, construction, and maintenance—while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I gained valuable insights into how organizations integrate sustainability into their transportation systems by engaging with researchers and industry professionals. Topics included minimizing carbon footprints, reducing climate impacts, using recycled materials, and ensuring equity and inclusion in transportation planning.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) introduced many innovative and eye-catching concepts regarding climate resilience, sustainability, and mitigation strategies in transportation planning. Hearing directly from USDOT experts shaping federal policies and programs was a significant highlight. Numerous sessions emphasized the importance of integrating greenhouse gas emissions considerations into transportation planning and showcased data-driven approaches to extending the lifecycle of highway infrastructure assets.
Dr. Zhou enjoying the snow.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was reconnecting with former students, friends, and colleagues who now lead transportation agencies worldwide. Engaging with experts across different sectors of my research field provided invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities. One particularly memorable experience was visiting the exhibit hall, where I spoke with manufacturers and consultants, gaining valuable industry insights. The mighty snowfall on the conference’s second day transformed the moments into unforgettable memories (Figure 2). As the world outside transformed into a glistening winter paradise, the warmth of shared ideas and laughter inside grew even more vibrant.
Attending the TRB Annual Meeting has been a consistent and invaluable experience throughout my career—this year marking my 24th time participating. The 2025 conference stood out for its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to sustainability in transportation. By integrating environmental considerations, promoting resilient infrastructure, ensuring social equity, and embracing technological innovations, the transportation community is taking meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
*Dr. Zhou serves as Elton Z. and Lois G. Huff Professor (Transportation) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University and is the recipient of the Sustainability Professional Development Sponsorship Award.
