From Postdoc to Faculty: ASPIRE Researcher Paves the Way to an Electrified Future 

After three years of working as a postdoctoral researcher and research associate, alongside an ASPIRE civil engineering team at Purdue University — including collaborating with Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering John Haddock and co-supervising Oscar Moncada’s master’s thesis — Pablo Orosa Iglesias has recently been promoted to Research Assistant Professor. 

“After several years working in the U.S. as a postdoctoral researcher, transitioning into a faculty position at Purdue represents a major milestone in my career,” said Orosa. “I feel honored and deeply grateful for the support I have received from my mentors and colleagues throughout this journey. This new role motivates me to continue contributing to the field and to have a lasting impact on the transportation infrastructure sector.” 

Through his new position, Orosa hopes to expand upon the research he has conducted with ASPIRE. With his team, Orosa contributed to the design, construction, and evaluation of two full-scale pavement sections — one in asphalt and the other in concrete — integrated with dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems. These were tested at the accelerated pavement testing (APT) facility at the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

“This work directly contributes to building safer, more resilient, and more self-sufficient transportation systems,” Orosa explained. “Roads may seem simple on the surface, but the science behind how they are designed, built, and maintained plays a major role in everyday mobility, economic activity, and environmental impact.” 

This is where ASPIRE comes in — to discover and develop real-world solutions to improve and advance roadways. 

“Advances in pavement materials and emerging technologies, such as the electrified roadways we are developing in ASPIRE, have the potential to transform the way we travel by improving efficiency, supporting electric vehicles, and reducing carbon emissions,” said Orosa. 

Moving forward, Orosa has several exciting ideas for advancing this research by adopting both a material and a construction perspective when optimizing the implementation of DWPT systems. 

“These innovations also help transportation agencies make better decisions, extend pavement service life, and improve safety for the public,” he said. “Being part of research that can shape the future of mobility is both exciting and deeply rewarding for me.” 

Beyond the lab, Orosa looks forward to exploring other possibilities as he embarks on the next stage of his academic career. 

“This promotion enables me to develop my independent research program, build my own research group, expand collaborations within ASPIRE and Purdue — as well as with international partners,” he added, “and take on a more active role in mentoring students, which is one of my greatest passions.” 

For those interested in learning more about Orosa’s efforts and the ground-breaking research at ASPIRE, reach out to Steve Pekarek for information about future opportunities. 

About ASPIRE: 

ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at Utah State University, leads groundbreaking research and development to accelerate electrification. With over 400 global collaborators, ASPIRE focuses on creating seamless, affordable electrified transportation systems, accessible for all vehicle classes, along with the public infrastructure needed to support them. By reducing emissions, improving air quality, and fostering economic growth through job creation and workforce training, ASPIRE’s work spans engineering, social science, policy, and business. Partnering with top universities, industry leaders, and community groups, ASPIRE is driving the future of advanced transportation. Learn more at aspire.usu.edu. 

Contacts: 

Steve Pekarek 
Convergent Research Director 
ASPIRE ERC 

Writer: 

Kayleigh Kearsley 
Marketing & Communications Intern 
ASPIRE ERC