Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean for undergraduate studies in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science, has been named an associate director for the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC). The SPTC is funded by the Department of Transportation to study weather impact on transportation infrastructure within New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The Center consists of eight consortium member universities including Louisiana Tech, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Langston University, the University of Arkansas, the University of New Mexico, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Texas Tech University. “I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with the outstanding faculty, both here and at the other Center institutions, to increase the number of under-represented students and professionals engaged in the transportation arena,” Carpenter said. “Moving forward, we need the innovation that diversity will bring to our research, education and outreach efforts in order to successfully address the urgent infrastructure-related issues facing the transportation systems, both in our region and in the nation.” Dr. Hisham Hegab, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said that Carpenter’s appointment benefits both Louisiana Tech and the SPTC. “Dr. Carpenter is one of our outstanding faculty and leaders in the College of Engineering and Science,” said Hegab. “Her leadership skills and management experience will be valuable assets to the SPTC.” As Louisiana Tech’s representative on the SPTC Leadership Core, Carpenter will be responsible for the implementation of the SPTC mission and goals at Louisiana Tech, in collaboration with faculty in the Civil Engineering program. She will also participate as part of the project leadership team in discussions on performance, challenges, opportunities and future directions of the Center. Carpenter previously served on the Research, Education and Outreach Committee. SPTC Director Musharraf Zaman lauded her work. “Dr. Carpenter has done an excellent job in representing her institution on this committee,” said Zaman. “She is an outstanding educator and researcher, with a very strong expertise and track record in the STEM field. The SPTC Leadership Core is looking forward to working closely with her in her new leadership role.” Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu