First Class: Road Scholars reflect on the industry

This content appears in the Summer 2025 print edition of NAPA Quarterly. Subscribe here.

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What began as a NAPA Research & Education Foundation (NAPAREF) effort to support the graduate program at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University (AU) has sprouted with the inaugural class of Road Scholars: AU graduate students with academic and career aspirations in the pavement industry.

In 2024, NAPA members raised $3 million to fund the Road Scholars endowment, which aims to help keep graduate students focused on the pavement innovations of the future.

Liz Valenca said the financial support she received as a member of the first class of Road Scholars has been invaluable during her work on a National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Ideas Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project.

“This project aims to develop a methodology to estimate reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder PG without extraction and recovery and to identify tests that can help determine the variability in RAP stockpiles,” she said. “The work has been challenging but extremely rewarding.”

Amir Jafarmilajerdi said his experience at NCAT had him even more convinced that he’ll continue to pursue a career in asphalt.

“Being part of NCAT has been an incredibly rewarding experience, both academically and professionally. The collaborative environment, access to state-of-the-art research, and mentorship from experienced faculty have reinforced my passion for asphalt materials research,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the Road Scholars program and look forward to applying my knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the field.”

WHAT WAS IT THAT FIRST LED YOU TO CONSIDER CONTINUING YOUR STUDIES AT AU, HOME OF NCAT?

Liz Valenca of Salvador, Brazil: The lab facilities at NCAT were a major factor in my decision to study here. For anyone interested in pavement technology, I believe there’s no better place. Additionally, my interview with my advisor before joining was very impactful. He clearly outlined the work and training I would receive as a student, which further solidified my choice.

Zane Hargett of Milan, Tennessee: Since earning my undergraduate degree from Auburn University, I have always considered Auburn a second home to me. The welcoming community and strong sense of belonging make Auburn truly special. Once I decided to pursue a master’s degree in pavements and materials, it became clear that I couldn’t leave Auburn as it was the perfect place to continue my studies. The immense resources, research opportunities, and support provided by NCAT and Auburn made my decision an easy one. There is simply no better place to further my education and contribute to the advancements in the field.

Amir Jafarmilajerdi of Tehran, Iran: For me, the decision to continue my studies at Auburn was influenced by NCAT’s outstanding reputation in pavement engineering and asphalt research. When I was pursuing my master’s degree, I read numerous research publications from NCAT, which greatly impressed me. The opportunity to work with leading experts in the field and contribute to cutting-edge research made Auburn an ideal place for me to advance my knowledge and skills. The strong academic foundation and collaborative research environment really attracted me to Auburn.

Juliana Wood of Virginia Beach, Virginia: I’ve been at Auburn since 2020, when I started my undergraduate degree and was able to start working with NCAT as an undergraduate research assistant during my sophomore year. I became interested in doing more research at NCAT after I graduated, and I was given the opportunity to be a graduate research assistant with NCAT to pursue my master’s. I absolutely love the community and dedication that NCAT has to offer; it was an easy decision to stay.

Cameron Derryberry of Alabaster, Alabama: My fiancé at the time wanted to attend graduate school at Auburn University. This led me to consider graduate school for myself. A Dr. (Ben) Bowers class then allowed me to learn more about NCAT and the type of work that goes on here.

HOW WILL HAVING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE ROAD SCHOLARS PROGRAM AFFECT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY?

Derryberry: Since I am recently married and making no other income than from graduate school, financial support from the scholarship has been extremely helpful. It took care of my school fees that weren’t covered by my tuition waiver. This allowed my first paycheck to go directly to supporting my new family instead of being used to cover those fees.

Wood: Being an out-of-state student, the Road Scholars help to lighten the financial burden of everyday life.

Valenca: The financial support from the Road Scholars program has been incredibly helpful. It covers my registration fees, and the mandatory student health insurance for international students. This support allows me to concentrate on my studies and research without the added stress of financial burdens at the start of each semester.

Hargett: Receiving financial support from the Road Scholars program will significantly enhance my day-to-day life at Auburn University by allowing me to dedicate more time to developing my skills in both the lab and the classroom. Instead of constantly worrying about financial burdens, I can fully focus on expanding my knowledge, refining my research abilities, and gaining direct experience with pavements and materials. Many of my peers are already earning full salaries, but I have chosen to further my education because I am committed to developing innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges in the pavement industry. This scholarship provides me with the opportunity to invest in my own future, ensuring that I acquire the expertise needed to make meaningful contributions to the field. With this support, I can continue pushing myself academically and professionally, knowing that the time I spend learning today will have a lasting impact on the industry in the future.

Jafarmilajerdi: The Road Scholars program provides significant financial relief, allowing me to focus more on my research and academic growth without the stress of financial constraints. It enables me to dedicate more time to lab work, field studies, and professional development opportunities, rather than worrying about covering tuition and living expenses.

HOW HAS WORKING ALONGSIDE NCAT’S RESEARCH-MINDED FACULTY GIVEN YOU KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE MISSED OUT ON IN A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM?

Derryberry: There is a practical level of understanding that I’ve gained here in the lab that I wouldn’t have if I had only been in the classroom. Learning about the asphalt industry and business not only from a student perspective, but also from the perspective of an asphalt lab has opened new viewpoints for me.

Valenca: I love NCAT’s practical approach to research. I’ve been fortunate to work with an advisor who approaches research with an implementation perspective. NCAT’s close collaboration with the industry provides us with hands-on experience, allowing us to tackle actual problems faced by professionals in asphalt technology. Our classes also include practical experiences, such as visiting an asphalt refinery, observing test track construction, conducting PCI surveys, and the list keeps going.

Jafarmilajerdi: At NCAT, I’ve been able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, which I wouldn’t have experienced in a traditional classroom setting. Working alongside faculty who are deeply engaged in research has given me hands-on exposure to advanced testing methods and pavement engineering practices, helping me gain a deeper understanding of the field. Moreover, having access to the NCAT Test Track, the only facility that simultaneously tests numerous instrumented pavements under real environmental conditions with accelerated loading, has provided me with unique insights that I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere. The emphasis on practical, research-driven knowledge has been invaluable.

Wood: One of the biggest opportunities that I was able to participate in with NCAT was the 2024 reconstruction of the Test Track. Being able to work hands-on on the instrumentation team under Dr. [David] Timm allowed for me to firsthand see where our research starts under the pavement. During reconstruction, we also got the opportunity to be there while paving. We finished instrumentation and watched the completion of the sections. This experience allowed me to interact with both the sponsors of the sections as well as the paving crew, both very important components of this research. The entire reconstruction effort was extremely educational and beneficial to my experience at Auburn and that is something I would not have gotten in a traditional classroom.

Hargett: Working alongside NCAT’s researchminded faculty has provided me with valuable hands-on experience that is not seen in a traditional classroom setting. Instead of only learning theoretical concepts, I have been able to experience how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios and how the pavements and materials behave under various conditions. Also, working in a research-driven environment has forced me to think critically and problem-solve beyond textbook examples. Unlike a traditional classroom approach where the answer is already known, research at NCAT requires me to think outside of the box and truly develop an understanding of how pavement systems behave and function.

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS AND HOW HAS THIS SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN YOU AN ADVANTAGE IN YOUR CAREER PURSUITS?

Hargett: After earning my master’s degree and gaining valuable research experience at NCAT, I plan to pursue a career in the pavement industry, whether in construction or research. While I am still exploring which path aligns best with my everyday goals and dream to eventually start my own company one day, the opportunities available to me are endless. Regardless of the direction I choose, I am confident that I am wellprepared to make meaningful contributions to the field. This scholarship has played a crucial role in my journey by alleviating financial burdens, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies and research. With fewer distractions, I can fully engage in lectures and firsthand experiences in the lab, strengthening my expertise in pavements and materials. The knowledge and skills I am building now will serve as a solid foundation for a successful and impactful career.

Jafarmilajerdi: My goal is to become a leading researcher and industry expert in pavement materials and infrastructure sustainability. I aspire to contribute to both academia and industry by developing advanced pavement materials, optimizing asphalt mix designs, and improving the long-term performance of transportation infrastructure. The scholarship has not only provided financial relief but also opened doors to networking and professional development opportunities. It will allow me to focus more on my research and attend different conferences, which will be invaluable for presenting my work and connecting with industry professionals and researchers, providing me with the tools and networks I need to succeed in my career.

Valenca: After completing my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a PhD because my experiences at NCAT have been exceptional, and I believe further education will only benefit my long-term goals. Once I finish my PhD, I aim to work in the industry, open to work with mix design, product development, or in an industry research lab. The Road Scholars program has been a great support in this journey, allowing me to transition smoothly to my PhD without bearing the financial burden alone. Moreover, being nominated for this scholarship has been a testament to my work and has helped raise awareness of my research.

Wood: My main long-term goal after I finish my master’s degree is to be able to use what I have learned from research with NCAT and all my classes at Auburn is to go into the industry and contribute to the field. This scholarship is helping me continue to pursue this goal by knowing that I am supported by those around me in the industry and that my goals are attainable.

Derryberry: I wish to be able to work in design at a DOT. Getting this scholarship will allow me to be able to focus on my work and studies, increasing my chances of achieving that goal.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOULDBE CIVIL ENGINEERS AND ASPHALT PAVEMENT PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE UNSURE ABOUT THEIR CAREER PATHWAY?

Hargett: My advice to aspiring civil engineers and asphalt pavement professionals is to take your time and truly explore what excites you. In school, when you are learning the fundamentals, it can feel like you’re expected to make a career decision quickly. You will often be asked what you want to do with your life and why you chose your degree, and that pressure can make it seem like you need to have everything figured out right away. However, this is your career and your future so there’s no rush to make a decision before you’re ready. I experienced this firsthand throughout my academic journey. As my peers confidently pursued their career paths, I found myself questioning my own. I initially thought I knew what I wanted, but over time, my interests shifted. Eventually, I discovered that pavement and materials within civil engineering truly sparked my passion, and it was something I could see myself doing long-term. Among my engineering friends, I was one of the last to decide on a career path, and even now, my goals continue to evolve. But because I took the time to find what truly excites me, I know I will be happier and more successful in my work.

Jafarmilajerdi: My advice would be to explore different aspects of civil engineering and find what excites you the most. Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow opportunities that may seem unconventional. The field of asphalt pavement offers vast potential for innovation and improvement, especially through interdisciplinary research, and it’s important to remain open-minded and passionate about learning. Your curiosity and willingness to contribute to the field can make a significant difference.

Wood: Some advice that I would give to the next generation of civil engineers is to never stop asking questions! It may be hard at first, but you can learn so much from so many people by asking questions. The question doesn’t even need to be super in depth, simple questions allow for even more learning and doors to be opened. There are so many neat things going on in the asphalt pavement profession, asking questions and learning more about them is very beneficial!

Derryberry: Try to learn as much as possible about the civil engineering field. Civil is a very broad field and can vary largely. Take different classes and give yourself a good perspective on what the field is as a whole. This will teach you more about civil engineering, and also about yourself and what you are most interested in.

Valenca: Before starting a graduate program or choosing a career path, I recommend thoroughly researching the available fields. Since undergraduate studies often don’t delve deeply into pavements, I encourage the next generation to keep an open mind about this area. The pavement industry offers diverse opportunities, including mix designs, pavement structures, binders, pavement management, environmental studies, etc. This field has been incredibly rewarding for me, opening many doors. I highly recommend considering a career in pavements.