Richard Davies
About Richard Davies
Richard Davies serves as the Director of the Sustainable Transportation Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he focuses on deploying intelligent technologies for efficient transportation. He has extensive experience in research and development, particularly in lightweight materials and bio-based products, and has held various leadership roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Current Role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Richard Davies serves as the Director of the Sustainable Transportation Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2020. In this capacity, he leads initiatives within the National Transportation Research Center, focusing on the deployment of intelligent technologies aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of passenger and freight transportation.
Previous Experience at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Prior to his current role, Richard Davies held multiple positions at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He worked as Division Director of the Project Lifecycle Division from 2007 to 2017, and as Team Leader for Strategic Planning and Analysis/S&T Strategy Specialist from 2004 to 2007. He also served as Chief Engineer in Materials and Manufacturing R&D from 1997 to 2009, accumulating extensive experience in research and development.
Educational Background
Richard Davies has a strong educational foundation in engineering and business. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanics of Materials from the University of Strasbourg in France. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Grove City College and a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. Additionally, he completed a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) at the University of Maryland University College.
Engagement with Government Programs
In his role, Richard Davies actively engages with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Programs and the U.S. Department of Transportation. His work includes advancing bio-based products and natural gas initiatives to reduce dependency on foreign oil, as well as contributing to the development of decision-making tools like fueleconomy.gov.
Research Focus on Lightweight Materials
Richard Davies focuses on the research and development of lightweight materials, including low-cost carbon fiber, to enhance vehicle efficiency. His work aims to support advancements in sustainable transportation technologies and improve overall transportation systems.