NCAT celebrates 2026 NAPA Road Scholars and renewed fellowships

The National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University (NCAT) and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) continue their long-standing partnership to support the next generation of asphalt industry leaders through the NAPA Road Scholars fellowship.

Matthew Kmetz and Mohammad Sadeghi have been selected as the 2026 NAPA Road Scholars. They were nominated by their advisors and chosen by the selection committee based on academic achievement, relevant work experience, demonstrated leadership and strong communication skills.

In addition, the NAPA Road Scholars fellowship has been renewed for the 2025 recipients, Liz Valenca, Juliana Wood, Amir Jafarmilajerdi, Zane Hargett and Cameron Derryberry. Read more about the inaugural reciepients of the Road Scholars Fellowship here.

Through the NAPA Road Scholars endowment, more than 50 companies and individuals have contributed $3 million to support NCAT graduate students in their academic journeys. The fellowship provides critical resources that allow students to gain hands-on experience and conduct applied research alongside NCAT’s team of experts while preparing for future careers in industry, consulting, education and public agencies. 

“We are proud of Matthew, Mohammad and our returning Road Scholars for representing the high level of excellence that defines NCAT and Auburn University,” said Randy West, NCAT director. “These fellowships play an important role in developing the next generation of leaders who will advance the future of asphalt pavements.”

Sadeghi is a Ph.D. candidate being advised by Nam Tran, NCAT associate director and research professor. His research focuses on asphalt mixture characterization, including warm mix asphalt and balanced mix design, with a broader emphasis on pavement sustainability and economics. 

“This recognition will enable me to focus on my research with renewed energy and motivation,” Sadeghi said. “I’m especially excited to translate my research on asphalt pavements into practical solutions that benefit the asphalt industry, transportation agencies and the public.”

Kmetz is a Ph.D. candidate being advised by David Timm, chair of civil and environmental engineering and the Elton and Lois Huff eminent chair professor. Kmetz’s research focuses on NCAT’s additive group experiment at the NCAT Test Track, which evaluates the performance of asphalt mixtures with emerging and existing additive technologies through laboratory testing and full-scale pavement monitoring.

“The NAPA Road Scholars Fellowship will provide valuable support towards the completion of my Ph.D. program, and for the continuation of my research pertaining to the additive group experiment at the NCAT Test Track,” Kmetz said. “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to NAPA and the fellowship selection committee for this recognition and award.”

For more information on the NAPA Road Scholars program and how to support NCAT graduate students, visit NAPA's website here.

2026 NAPA Road Scholars new recipients, Matthew Kmetz and Mohammad Sadeghi

Established in 1986 through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT addresses the nation’s pavement infrastructure needs through practical research, technology development and education. The center’s mission is to provide innovative, implementable research that advances safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements.

For more information about NCAT and its programs, visit ncat.us.