Kevin Kefauver appointed Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's division director of data and analytics
Kevin Kefauver has been named Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's division director of data and analytics, effective Jan. 10.
"We are extremely excited for Kevin's new leadership role at the institute,” said Zac Doerzaph, executive director at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). “He brings an extensive wealth of knowledge offering both technical depth and strategic breadth, serving as a catalyst for propelling the Division of Data and Analytics into the destination for advancing mobility by extracting actionable information from raw data."
Kefauver brings an extensive background in mechanical engineering and controls with him to combine his expertise with that of the institute. Previously serving as the technical director at the Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation (GCAPS), a Virginia Tech-affiliated company, Kefauver knows VTTI like the back of his hand.
“Data is key,” said Kefauver. “I’m a big believer in the naturalistic driving data that VTTI has collected, and I’m excited to work with the institute to help people understand the safety of their vehicle systems through data.”
In his role with GCAPS, Kefauver directed the research and development of test techniques, data analyses, controls development, and modeling and simulation advances for advanced vehicle development. This included helping to establish the Virtual Design and Integration Laboratory at GCAPS, which transforms data from naturalistic driving studies into simulation for use in development of advanced vehicle safety systems and automated vehicles.
Prior to serving as the technical director at GCAPS for 11 years, Kefauver’s work with industry focused on vehicles and vehicle technologies at Northrop Grumman, the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
He also worked closely with VTTI during the launch of the Automated Mobility Partnership, a program that brings 13 industry leaders together to promote the development of tools, techniques, and data resources to support the rapid advancement of automated driving systems deployment. Now entering its fourth year, Kefauver will continue to lead the partnership in his new position.
Kefauver graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.
