The Roads Scholars Program, a graduate education initiative supported by the asphalt pavement industry and the NAPA Research & Education Foundation, has welcomed two new students for its second year at Auburn University’s National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT).
Launched through a $3 million industry-funded investment, the program helps develop the next generation of pavement engineering leaders by supporting graduate students pursuing advanced studies in asphalt materials, pavement design, and transportation infrastructure.
The inaugural class of five scholars has now been joined by Matthew Kmetz and Mohammad Sadeghi, both of whom bring strong academic backgrounds and a passion for advancing pavement research.
Drawn to NCAT’s reputation for innovation
For Kmetz, the decision to attend Auburn University dates back to his high school years. While exploring engineering programs across the Southeast, he attended Auburn’s Engineering Day event and was impressed by the university’s facilities, faculty, and research opportunities.
Sadeghi’s path to NCAT began during his master’s studies in civil engineering, where he specialized in road and pavement engineering. Through coursework and research, he became familiar with NCAT’s extensive contributions to asphalt technology and pavement performance.
He said studying NCAT’s widely used asphalt materials research and learning about the center’s industry-leading work inspired him to pursue further education at Auburn.
“The combination of strong academic foundations and impactful real-world research made NCAT an ideal place to continue developing my expertise in pavement engineering,” Sadeghi said.
Learning beyond the classroom
Both scholars highlighted the value of working directly with NCAT researchers and faculty members who are actively involved in industry projects and cutting-edge pavement studies.
Sadeghi noted that traditional classroom instruction alone cannot fully capture the complexity of asphalt materials and pavement behavior, which continue to evolve through field testing and research.
At NCAT, students benefit from direct exposure to findings from the renowned NCAT Test Track and other research initiatives. Faculty members regularly incorporate real-world performance data and industry observations into their teaching, creating a stronger connection between theory and practice.
“Working alongside leading researchers has allowed me to engage in real-world problem-solving, stay current with industry trends, and contribute to ongoing research efforts that go far beyond what a traditional classroom alone can offer,” Sadeghi said.
Kmetz echoed those sentiments, saying his experience at NCAT has provided opportunities that would be difficult to find elsewhere.
He has participated in major research projects at the NCAT Test Track and contributed to key aspects of the facility’s latest reconstruction, including the installation of structural instrumentation in newly built test sections.
Building the next generation of pavement experts
The Roads Scholars Program was created to address the industry’s long-term workforce needs by encouraging talented students to pursue careers in pavement engineering and transportation infrastructure.
As the program enters its second year, industry leaders hope it will continue producing highly skilled professionals capable of advancing asphalt technology, improving roadway performance, and supporting future infrastructure investments across the United States.
