Center of Physical Infrastructure Systems
Center of Innovation
Robert M. Dorer, Director
Center of Physical Infrastructure Systems Center of Innovation (RVT-60)
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, RITA/USDOT
617/494-3481 | robert.dorer@dot.gov
Robert Dorer assumed the duties of Director for the Volpe Center's Physical Infrastructure Systems Center of Innovation in December 2008.
Mr. Dorer most recently was the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the former Office of Surface Transportation Programs at the Center. In this capacity he lead a team of over 150 federal staff (engineers, economists, operations research analysts, transportation and community planners, and safety specialists) in seven divisions applying expertise in engineering, planning, economics, operations research and system safety and risk analysis to a wide variety of transportation challenges in the areas of safety, mobility, environmental sensitivity, and organizational excellence for the Office of the Secretary, FHWA, FMCSA, FRA, FTA, NHSTS, PHMSA, and RITA. The office also supported elements of the DoD and various state and local agencies throughout the country. Previously he was Chief of the Railroad Systems and the High Speed Ground Transportation Safety Divisions at the Volpe Center.
Prior to assuming management and senior management positions at the Center, Mr. Dorer served in various staff engineer and project manager positions related to surface transportation research and development initiatives. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Transportation, Mr. Dorer worked at the Missouri Pacific and Boston and Maine Railroads in various management capacities related to track and vehicle maintenance and freight and passenger operations.
Mr. Dorer is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association. He also serves as chair of the Transportation Research Board's Rail Group Board. This board oversees the active participation of over 200 transportation professionals on 8 rail related committees of the TRB.
Mr. Dorer holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University and is a graduate of the government's Leadership in a Democratic Society, Federal Executive Institute.
Mr. Dorer also volunteers widely in his local community having served on his town's Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Board of Library Trustees, Transportation Advisory Committee, and Cultural Council.
