The Driving Force

Louisiana Transportation Research Center

A transportation podcast produced by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center. Hosts Todd Blount and Garrett Wheat highlight what and who is driving change in Louisiana transportation.

  1. FEB 3

    Episode 30: Safety Research Highlights w Dr. Elisabeta Mitran

    LTRC Safety Research Manager Dr. Elisabeta Mitran joins Todd and Garrett on this episode to share about the latest in her team's groundbreaking transportation safety research. She highlights several recently completed and in-progress projects exploring both infrastructure and behavioral factors that contribute to enhanced safety on Louisiana's roadways. Louisiana Transportation Research Center Special Studies Research Publications

    23 min

  2. JAN 20

    Episode 29: Special Studies Research Overview w Dr. Julius Codjoe

    On this episode, Todd and Garrett kick off a new series highlighting the work of LTRC's Special Studies Research Group. They are joined by Research Administrator Dr. Julius Codjoe, who provides an overview of the unique and diverse research performed by his team, along with some fascinating insights on his personal journey from Ghana to the United States. Louisiana Transportation Research Center Special Studies Research Publications

    25 min

  3. JAN 6

    Episode 28: LTRC External Programs and Partnerships w Dr. VJ Gopu

    Todd and Garrett kick off Year Two of The Driving Force by sitting down with Dr. VJ Gopu, LTRC's Associate Director of External Programs. In this conversation, Dr. Gopu shares highlights from his decorated and far-reaching career in transportation and discusses the exciting research partnerships LTRC has across Louisiana, the United States, and beyond. Louisiana Transportation Research Center

    35 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Episode 27: Geotechnical Design w Chris Nickel, Jesse Rauser, & Miranda Perkins

    In Part Two of our series with Louisiana DOTD's Pavement and Geotechnical Unit, Todd is joined by section head Chris Nickel and geotechnical engineers Jesse Rauser and Miranda Perkins. This conversation highlights how this talented team of engineers designs and monitors deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, and other critical portions of Louisiana's transportation infrastructure. Louisiana Transportation Research Center DOTD Geotechnical Design

    37 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Episode 26: Pavement Design w Chris Nickel, Mark Ordogne, & Xingwei Chen

    On this episode, Todd and Garrett are joined by three members of DOTD's Pavement Design group- Chris Nickel, Mark Ordogne, and Xingwei Chen. This trio gives a fascinating overview of their group's day-to-day operations across Louisiana, highlighting how their ongoing efforts serve the state's traveling public. Louisiana Transportation Research Center DOTD Pavement Design

    32 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Episode 25: 40 Years of Materials Research w Professor Louay Mohammad

    Professor Louay Mohammad, LTRC's longest tenured researcher, joins Todd and Garrett on this episode to reflect on his four decade career in teaching and materials research. He discusses what has changed in the transportation field since he began his work, as well as what keeps him excited and motivated at this stage of his accomplished career.

    41 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Episode 24: Concrete Research Highlight w Drs. Zhen Liu and Ricardo Hungria

    On this episode, Todd and Garrett welcome Drs. Zhen Liu and Ricardo Hungria, two members of LTRC's excellent and award-winning concrete research team. This conversation touches on several recently completed or in-progress projects and their potential impacts on the transportation system in Louisiana.

    32 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Episode 23: Asphalt Research Highlights w Dr. Moses Akentuna & Saman Salari

    On this episode, Dr. Moses Akentuna and Saman Salari, two of LTRC's talented and hard-working asphalt research engineers, join Todd and Garrett to discuss several of their recently completed and in-progress projects, highlighting the positive impact of their work across Louisiana and beyond.

    31 min
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About

A transportation podcast produced by the Louisiana Transportation Research Center. Hosts Todd Blount and Garrett Wheat highlight what and who is driving change in Louisiana transportation.

Information

  • Creator
    Louisiana Transportation Research Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Louisiana Transportation Research Center
  • Show Website
    The Driving Force