Featured in Technology Today (Volume 38, Issue 1), a quarterly publication of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.
Since 2015, Sam Cooper, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., has served as the Director of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center, overseeing its continued development as a pioneer in transportation research, technology transfer, and training statewide and beyond. In May 2024, he was recognized and honored for 40 years of distinguished service to the state of Louisiana. Dr. Cooper’s career in government service includes an impressive variety of achievements prior to his directorship at LTRC. Cooper recently reflected on his career journey as an engineer, researcher, and public servant…
How did your career in state government begin?
SC: I am a homebody, and an opportunity was available for me to begin my career while being close to my family. In addition, I loved to hunt, fish, and be outdoors, and being at home in Pineville allowed me to do so.
What roles and responsibilities did you have before coming to LTRC, and what did you enjoy about them?
SC: Prior to my time at LTRC, I had numerous roles. I started my career in construction as an Engineer-In-Training. After receiving my P.E. license, I was promoted to the role of Project Engineer in DOTD’s Leesville office. From there, I transferred to an Alexandria P.E. office, where I oversaw I-49 construction projects. After that, I spent seven years in the construction section at HQ as an area engineer and the bituminous construction engineer. I was also involved in railroad construction projects.
I spent three years in private industry, still involved in construction. I worked as technical support liaison for one year for a Louisiana-based asphalt supplier, then moved to Florida for two years as the northern division asphalt manager for a construction company. Upon returning to state service, I was employed as a Project Engineer in DOTD’s District 02 Thibodeaux office. In 2003, I came to LTRC as the Senior Asphalt Research Engineer.
Being a project engineer was enjoyable because I could look back with pride, knowing that I contributed to the construction and completion of infrastructure projects that had an impact on the daily lives of people. In addition, being the bituminous construction engineer was rewarding. I learned a lot about hot mix design, the causes of roadway failures, the importance of roadway preservation, and how to write specifications that improved the sustainability of our infrastructure. Over my entire career, I have always been surrounded by an amazing staff that was very knowledgeable in their area of expertise. This made my jobs enjoyable, and I learned a tremendous amount from these individuals.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time in state service, and why?
SC: Being able to have time with my family, making friends, contributing to a sustainable infrastructure, and earning my advanced degrees.
As its Director, how do you see LTRC contributing to the wellbeing of the state of Louisiana, and to the transportation industry at large?
SC: LTRC is at the forefront of innovative technology. We have numerous projects that deal with sustainability, saving Louisiana’s taxpayers money while extending the life of our infrastructure system. LTRC is highly regarded worldwide for our research and our advancement of technology and training. In fact, we recently developed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of San Jose in Recoletos, Philippines.
How would you advise and encourage someone early in his or her career considering a role in state government?
SC: I would tell them that they need to make sure this is something they really want to do. Being a state employee is very satisfying. Working in state service affords a unique opportunity for work/home balance and educational pursuits, which you don’t necessarily have in private industry.
"Over my career, I have always been surrounded by an amazing staff that was very knowledgeable in their area of expertise. This made my jobs enjoyable, and I learned a tremendous amount from these individuals." - Sam Cooper, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., LTRC Director
All of us at LTRC would like to congratulate Dr. Cooper for this momentous achievement. Well done!