A stand-alone module of our established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this residential five-day program in Fort Worth, TX and Pueblo, CO, covers the essentials of network operations, railway engineering and technology from a managerial perspective. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, and site visits to see railroad engineering in action. Railway Technology, Research and Development brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
Register and Schedule Details
- 2027 Railway Technology, Research and Development
Cost: $5,750
Description: Includes instructional materials and site visits, faculty and staff support, overnight hotel rooms, daily breakfast and lunch. Transportation to and from the program, and dinner most nights are not included.
Schedule: September 20-23, 2027 | Monday-Thursday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | In Person
September 24, 2027 | Friday | 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | In Person.Notes:Contact Val Kucherenko via email at kucheren@msu.edu or the Center for Railway Research and Education at crre@broad.msu.edu if you have any questions.
PPE required for all site visits - see your personalized logistics letter for each module.
Outline
MONDAY
On Site with Rail Fleet Manufacturer
TUESDAY
On Site with Class I
WEDNESDAY
Rail Rolling Mill Visit; Locomotives and Rolling Stock Topics
THURSDAY
On Site at R&D and Laboratory Facility, R&D Policy, Vehicle Dynamics, Brake Systems
FRIDAY
R&D Practical Issues and Summary
Schedule and content are subject to change. For a copy of the latest schedule please email: kucheren@msu.edu
SITE VISIT INFORMATION
Fort Worth, TX: Tour of railcar maintenance and manufacturing facilities and a Class I, focusing on rail stock maintenance and production facilities
Pueblo, CO: Research & Development and Testing Facilities, with a focus on innovation and industry advancements (subject to availability)
Faculty and Speakers
VAL KUCHERENKO, FACULTY LEADER
is the Director Railway Education, Center for Railway Research and Education (MSU/CRRE). Before joining the CRRE team, Val built a career in supply chain management with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC), C.H. Robinson Global Forwarding, and Maersk Line, spanning roles across Europe, the United States, and Canada.
RON BATORY, CHAIR IN RAILWAY MANAGEMENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
is a seasoned railroad industry professional with over 52 years of experience, including leadership roles at Class I railroads and as President of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago. He later became the 14th Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, following a distinguished career in both private and public sectors.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY
from the top ranked University for both graduate and undergraduate Supply Chain Management programs for many years (US News & World Report).
SELECT SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
will join for guest lectures and presentations.
TRIBUTE TO NICK LITTLE, FORMER FACULTY LEADER
This program builds on the groundwork established by Nicholas (Nick) Little, former Director of Railway Education, whose efforts and leadership have greatly contributed to its current form. Nick's commitment to excellence in education continues to inspire our work each and every day.
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will have improved their understanding of the following engineering and technological topics, which can impact managing today’s and tomorrow’s railroad:
- Railway Engineering, Technology, Research and Development policy
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Infrastructure - Track, Bridges, and other structures
- Motive Power and Rolling Stock
- Concepts of Railway Control and Signaling / Communications
- Hazardous Materials and Incident Response
- Applications for telematics and sensors
Who Should Attend
- Railroad superintendents, trainmasters, and middle managers from transportation and support functions with capacity to perform at higher levels
- Managers/leaders with limited railroad industry education requiring learning opportunities beyond their experience
- Shippers and suppliers needing to learn about the business of railroading to build better relationships to improve performance, communication and understanding
- Staff of rail agencies, regulators, policy bodies, and state/local government
- Railroad company new hires and interns
Additional Information
Program Fee includes instructional materials and site visits, faculty and staff support, overnight hotel rooms, daily breakfast and lunch. Transportation to and from the program, and dinner most nights are not included.
Discounts are also available for multiple participants from the same company.
To utilize the best in adult learning practices, class size will be limited to thirty-five participants.
This program will comply with COVID-19 MSU requirements pertaining at the time.
Cancellation within 15 days of the program start date will be limited to emergency situations and may result in a 10 percent cancellation fee. Participant substitutions are welcome at any time prior to the start of the program. If a registered participant does not attend and does not notify us in advance, they will be charged the full fee.
For more information, please visit www.raileducation.com or contact the Program Director, Val Kucherenko by phone +1 517 353-5667 or email kucheren@msu.edu.