Transportation Systems Division (TSD)
Dedicated to serving as a platform for emerging and diverse technologies across land and sea transportation, with the goal of driving innovation, sustainability, and transformative solutions in the mobility sector.
About
Dedicated to serving as a platform for emerging and diverse technologies across land and sea transportation, with the goal of driving innovation, sustainability, and transformative solutions in the mobility sector. With the internal combustion engine division serving as its foundational technical group, TSD is growing into electrification, autonomous driving, safety, sustainability, and more.
Find out how you can get involved.
Find out how you can get involved.
Transportation Advisory Board
Kelly Senecal
Co-founder
Convergent Science Inc.
Tim Frazier
Vice President of Global Research and Technology
Cummins Inc.
Prabjot Nanua
Executive Director of Global Advanced Propulsion Engineering
General Motors
Marc Sens
Senior Vice President Research & Technology
IAV
Josh Pihl
Director of Buildings and Transportation Science
Oak Ridge National Lab
Lily Elefteriadou
Barbara Goldsby Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Florida
Ardalan Vahidi
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Clemson University
Executive Committee
We are now seeking to appoint highly qualified and globally diverse leaders to serve on the TSD Executive Committee (EC). Members may serve for a maximum of four years, with each role held for two years. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in shaping the future of mobility while supporting the continued growth of ASME’s Transportation Systems Division.
TSD EC Responsibilities
The application period has closed. We are no longer accepting applications.
TSD EC Responsibilities
- Defining the strategy, operations, and activities of the Division.
- Exercising fiduciary responsibility for the Division Segregated Account.
- Providing oversight to the Division’s technical and non-technical subcommittees, including:
- Conference Organizing Committee(s)
- Technical Committees
- Non-Technical Committees
The application period has closed. We are no longer accepting applications.
- Chair
- The TSD EC Chair will lead the Division, set its direction, and represent the division at the ASME/TEC level.
- Vice Chair
- The TSD EC Vice Chair Supports the Chair, steps in as Acting Chair when needed, and transitions into the Chair role at the end of the term.
- Secretary
- Records and distributes meeting minutes, maintains official records, manages governance documentation, and supports communication of agendas and correspondence.
- Treasurer
- Develop and manage the division’s budget, including subcommittee budgets. Identify innovative strategies to grow the division’s segregated account and ensure long-term financial stability.
- Membership Lead
- Develop and implement innovative strategies to drive growth and engagement across all members, including students, industry professionals, and international participants.
- Honors and Awards Lead
- Guide the division award programs by reviewing criteria, managing nominations, and forming diverse committees to recognize excellence.
- Communications Lead
- Responsible for sharing division news and updates through newsletters, social media, division website page, and other outreach channels.
- Events Lead
- Serve as the primary liaison for division events, driving the development and improvement of technical programs. Identify opportunities to strengthen content, foster collaboration, and elevate the division’s presence and impact within the broader engineering community.
Transportation Conference Organizing Committee
About
The Transportation Systems Division is seeking volunteers for the Conference Organizing Committee. Committee members help plan and execute the conference program, covering both core transportation topics and emerging technologies, and play a key role in shaping the event’s strategic vision. To ensure the technical program meets these goals, three virtual trainings will be required: one prior to the abstract submission deadline, a second before the final paper submission deadline, and a final session at least two weeks before the first day of the conference. These trainings are essential to support consistent quality, effective coordination, and timely preparation of the program. The Conference Organizing Committee reports to the Transportation Systems Division Executive Committee. Except for the conference co-chair, these are all one-year terms. Contact Kelly Senecal, TAB Chair, with any questions you may have.
Apply by November 21, 2025
Organizing Committee Structure
The organizing committee is structured to operate to manage all details of the event.
The organizing committee is comprised of:
Conference Chair
Conference Co-Chair
Technical Program Chair
Review Chair Responsibilities
Student & Early Career Chair
The position oversees professional development opportunities for students & early career engineers, including the organization of skill-building courses and career information sessions. In addition, the role interfaces with the Local Liaison Committee, and coordinates career forums and invited talks to support member engagement and advancement.
Local Liaison Committee
A Local Liaison Committee is appointed primarily to secure regional financial support and assist with promoting local participation in the event.
Local Liaison Committee Chair
The Transportation Systems Division is seeking volunteers for the Conference Organizing Committee. Committee members help plan and execute the conference program, covering both core transportation topics and emerging technologies, and play a key role in shaping the event’s strategic vision. To ensure the technical program meets these goals, three virtual trainings will be required: one prior to the abstract submission deadline, a second before the final paper submission deadline, and a final session at least two weeks before the first day of the conference. These trainings are essential to support consistent quality, effective coordination, and timely preparation of the program. The Conference Organizing Committee reports to the Transportation Systems Division Executive Committee. Except for the conference co-chair, these are all one-year terms. Contact Kelly Senecal, TAB Chair, with any questions you may have.
Apply by November 21, 2025
Organizing Committee Structure
The organizing committee is structured to operate to manage all details of the event.
The organizing committee is comprised of:
- Conference Chair
- Conference Co-Chair
- Technical Program Chair
- Review Chair
- Local Liaison Committee Chair
- Student & Early Career Chair
Conference Chair
- Leads the Conference Organizing Committee, sets meeting cadence and agendas, and works with the Conference Manager to schedule and track progress against the planning timeline.
- Works with the Transportation Systems Division Executive Committee and the Conference Co-Chair to decide on the conference theme and define the scope of the technical content.
- Partners with the Conference Co-Chair to recruit high-level keynote or plenary speakers and moderates the keynote session(s).
- Provides oversight of volunteers and delegates responsibilities as appropriate to ensure successful planning and execution.
- Supports the Technical Program Chair and the Review Chair to ensure the technical quality of the program and presented materials.
Conference Co-Chair
- Collaborates with the Conference Chair to guide the strategic direction of the event.
- Records and distributes meeting minutes and monitors the status of action items.
- Partners with the Conference Chair to develop proposals for keynote and plenary sessions.
- Provides guidance and support to the Conference Chair and other committee members as needed.
- Represents the Conference Chair in their absence.
- Assumes the role of Conference Chair in the following year.
Technical Program Chair
- Oversees the overall quality of the technical program.
- Coordinates with track and session chairs to ensure effective planning and execution.
- Manages the session schedule, including time slot assignments and conflict resolution.
- Works with the Conference Manager to align logistical needs (attendance forecasts, space allocation, and session timing).
- Collaborates with the Conference Manager and Organizing Committee on event logistics, program quality assessment, participant feedback, and post-conference improvements.
Review Chair Responsibilities
- Manages the publication timeline from the call for abstracts through creation of the technical program.
- Makes final decisions on paper acceptance for the conference and recommends papers for journal publication.
- Coordinates with track and session organizers to ensure sessions are formed, reviewers are assigned, reviews are completed, and final papers are submitted on time.
- Resolves conflicts arising from reviewer comments or author concerns.
- Ensures the quality of reviews and, in turn, the technical papers presented at the conference.
- Reports to the Organizing Committee on the status and progress of paper reviews and submissions.
Student & Early Career Chair
The position oversees professional development opportunities for students & early career engineers, including the organization of skill-building courses and career information sessions. In addition, the role interfaces with the Local Liaison Committee, and coordinates career forums and invited talks to support member engagement and advancement.
Local Liaison Committee
A Local Liaison Committee is appointed primarily to secure regional financial support and assist with promoting local participation in the event.
Local Liaison Committee Chair
- The Local Liaison Committee Chair should be based in the city in which the event is being held.
- The Local Liaison Committee Chair may appoint as many committee members as needed. It is recommended that the committee include representatives from diverse sectors, such as industry, government, and a local university.
- Collaborates with local communities, industries, educational institutions, and government agencies to organize technical tours for event attendees.
- The Local Liaison Committee should hold regularly scheduled meetings to ensure the achievement of the committee’s responsibilities. The first meeting should be held at least 10 months before the event.
- The Chair will record meeting minutes, distribute them, and track the status and progress of action items.
- The Local Liaison Chair will attend the Organizing Committee Meetings and provide Local Liaison Committee updates.
Internal Combustion Engine
Dear ICED Members,
As a follow-up to our earlier announcement about the creation of the Transportation Systems Division (TSD), we would like to inform you that, effective Monday, November 3, your ASME division interest will automatically transition from the Internal Combustion Engine Division (ICED) to the Transportation Systems Division (TSD).
This update ensures that all ICED members are seamlessly integrated into TSD, where the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technical Community will continue to operate as a core technical community within TSD. You will continue to receive updates, participate in technical programs, and engage in activities under the ICE Technical Community within the new division.
No action is required on your part. This transition will occur automatically in ASME’s membership system.
We appreciate your continued engagement and look forward to advancing the next chapter of transportation innovation together. We welcome your thoughts and feedback through the TSD feedback form, and you can review or update your division interests at any time by following these instructions.
Sincerely,
Tom Lavertu
Senior Vice President, ASME TEC Sector Council
Kelly Senecal
Chair, ASME Transportation Systems Division Advisory Board
Past Chair, ICED Executive Committee
Webinars
Complimentary Registration
Monday, December 8, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
From Campus to Career: Keys to Thriving in the Modern Engineering Workplace
Bridging the gap between academia and industry is one of the most important transitions in an engineer’s journey. This engaging ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division webinar brings together three accomplished professionals—Dr. Emily Bierman (John Deere), Mr. Chad Koci (Caterpillar), and Dr. Laura Ricart (International Motors)—to share firsthand insights on how to build a successful and fulfilling career in engineering. Moderated by Prof. Dimitris Assanis (Stony Brook University), the discussion will highlight diverse career paths spanning research, design, product development, and leadership across major global organizations.
Through candid reflections, the panelists will explore the technical and interpersonal skills that helped them advance in their careers—from mastering fundamentals and fostering innovation to adapting to emerging technologies and organizational change. Students will gain valuable perspectives on what employers look for, how to stand out in competitive environments, and strategies for long-term growth in today’s evolving engineering landscape.
Whether you’re preparing for your first role or envisioning your future as an engineering leader, this webinar will equip you with practical insights to thrive in the modern workplace.
Panelists
Emily Bierman, Ph.D.
John Deere Turf & Compact Utility Division
Emily K. Bierman, Ph.D., P.E., is a mechanical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in internal combustion engine development, product management, and emissions compliance. She has led cross-functional teams at John Deere and Cummins, driving innovations in gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel engines while ensuring alignment with global emissions standards. Emily’s work spans supplier collaboration, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives that have reduced risk and enhanced customer satisfaction. In addition to her industry leadership, she has served as a professor, teaching courses in engine systems and renewable fuels, and directing international study programs in Germany. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Eng. in Engine Systems, and an MBA, integrating technical and business expertise.
Laura Ricart, Ph.D.
Product Property Management
International Motors, LLC.
Laura Ricart is the Sr. Chief Engineer of Product Property Management for International Motors, LLC. In her current role, she is responsible for the technology roadmap to maintain International’s competitive position in the business prescribed critical Product Properties. This is an expansion of responsibility from her most recent focus on fuel economy for Class 8 tractors and Range in EV products. She leads a team of specialists that drive the customer facing performance attributes, or properties, of the products. Their specialties range from Powertrain Performance and Aerodynamics to User Comfort, Ergonomics and Safety.
Internal combustion engines were the focus of her graduate work and nearly 20 years of her career at Navistar. In her current role she has had the opportunity to continue to develop traditional powertrain technology to newer standards and to diversify and grow the next generations of sustainable powertrain technologies.
Ricart holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Originally from La Romana, Dominican Republic, she first moved to Madison, WI for a BS in Applied Math, Engineering and Physics and went right on for the PhD in ME with a focus in Fuel Spray Mixing and Combustion in HD diesel engines from both an experimental and simulation perspective.
Mr. Chad Koci
Caterpillar
Chad Koci is currently an Engineering Fellow within Caterpillar’s Integrated Components & Solutions Division in the Energy & Transportation Technology department. His prior work areas include 10 years within Combustion and Thermofluid System Research, a Chief Engineer role in large engine component design, with past experiences at Southwest Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin. He has had activities and interests in novel combustion experimentation and simulation, spray visualization, and power system demonstration programs.
Moderator
Prof. Dimitris Assanis
Stony Brook University
Dr. Dimitris Assanis is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University, where he directs the Advanced Combustion & Energy Systems (ACES) Laboratory and is affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS). He was named an ASME Distinguished Associate in 2023 and currently serves as Track 2 Co-Chair for Fuels, Lubricants, and Carbon Management within the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division.
Dr. Assanis’ research integrates advanced experimental techniques with computational fluid dynamics to investigate emerging fuels, enhance fuel conversion efficiency, and reduce emissions in next-generation propulsion and power systems. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan (B.S. 2011, M.S. 2012, Ph.D. 2016).
Monday, December 8, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
From Campus to Career: Keys to Thriving in the Modern Engineering Workplace
Bridging the gap between academia and industry is one of the most important transitions in an engineer’s journey. This engaging ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division webinar brings together three accomplished professionals—Dr. Emily Bierman (John Deere), Mr. Chad Koci (Caterpillar), and Dr. Laura Ricart (International Motors)—to share firsthand insights on how to build a successful and fulfilling career in engineering. Moderated by Prof. Dimitris Assanis (Stony Brook University), the discussion will highlight diverse career paths spanning research, design, product development, and leadership across major global organizations.
Through candid reflections, the panelists will explore the technical and interpersonal skills that helped them advance in their careers—from mastering fundamentals and fostering innovation to adapting to emerging technologies and organizational change. Students will gain valuable perspectives on what employers look for, how to stand out in competitive environments, and strategies for long-term growth in today’s evolving engineering landscape.
Whether you’re preparing for your first role or envisioning your future as an engineering leader, this webinar will equip you with practical insights to thrive in the modern workplace.
Panelists
Emily Bierman, Ph.D.
John Deere Turf & Compact Utility Division
Emily K. Bierman, Ph.D., P.E., is a mechanical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in internal combustion engine development, product management, and emissions compliance. She has led cross-functional teams at John Deere and Cummins, driving innovations in gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuel engines while ensuring alignment with global emissions standards. Emily’s work spans supplier collaboration, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives that have reduced risk and enhanced customer satisfaction. In addition to her industry leadership, she has served as a professor, teaching courses in engine systems and renewable fuels, and directing international study programs in Germany. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Eng. in Engine Systems, and an MBA, integrating technical and business expertise.
Laura Ricart, Ph.D.
Product Property Management
International Motors, LLC.
Laura Ricart is the Sr. Chief Engineer of Product Property Management for International Motors, LLC. In her current role, she is responsible for the technology roadmap to maintain International’s competitive position in the business prescribed critical Product Properties. This is an expansion of responsibility from her most recent focus on fuel economy for Class 8 tractors and Range in EV products. She leads a team of specialists that drive the customer facing performance attributes, or properties, of the products. Their specialties range from Powertrain Performance and Aerodynamics to User Comfort, Ergonomics and Safety.
Internal combustion engines were the focus of her graduate work and nearly 20 years of her career at Navistar. In her current role she has had the opportunity to continue to develop traditional powertrain technology to newer standards and to diversify and grow the next generations of sustainable powertrain technologies.
Ricart holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Originally from La Romana, Dominican Republic, she first moved to Madison, WI for a BS in Applied Math, Engineering and Physics and went right on for the PhD in ME with a focus in Fuel Spray Mixing and Combustion in HD diesel engines from both an experimental and simulation perspective.
Mr. Chad Koci
Caterpillar
Chad Koci is currently an Engineering Fellow within Caterpillar’s Integrated Components & Solutions Division in the Energy & Transportation Technology department. His prior work areas include 10 years within Combustion and Thermofluid System Research, a Chief Engineer role in large engine component design, with past experiences at Southwest Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin. He has had activities and interests in novel combustion experimentation and simulation, spray visualization, and power system demonstration programs.
Moderator
Prof. Dimitris Assanis
Stony Brook University
Dr. Dimitris Assanis is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University, where he directs the Advanced Combustion & Energy Systems (ACES) Laboratory and is affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS). He was named an ASME Distinguished Associate in 2023 and currently serves as Track 2 Co-Chair for Fuels, Lubricants, and Carbon Management within the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division.
Dr. Assanis’ research integrates advanced experimental techniques with computational fluid dynamics to investigate emerging fuels, enhance fuel conversion efficiency, and reduce emissions in next-generation propulsion and power systems. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan (B.S. 2011, M.S. 2012, Ph.D. 2016).