Who We Are

Taylor Lochrane, Ph.D., P.E.
Director, HASS COE
taylor.lochrane@dot.gov

Dr. Taylor Lochrane is the Director of the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE). Dr. Lochrane is an esteemed leader with two decades of experience in both the federal and private sectors. He is recognized nationally as an innovative entrepreneur in the fields of transportation, safety, automation, and research. Dr. Lochrane recently served as the Deputy Director and Chief Scientist for HASS COE. In this role, he was responsible for establishing the office and leading the team of national experts with the vision to be a national resource for expertise, research, and global leadership in advancing the safe deployment of automation in transportation. Dr. Lochrane's leadership skills have allowed him to successfully review, assess, and validate highly automated systems for safety on behalf of USDOT. Prior to joining HASS COE, Dr. Lochrane served as the Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) Program Manager at the Federal Highway Administration, where he was responsible for managing the development of CARMA, part of a USDOT effort to accelerate the research and development of CDA. Dr. Lochrane is also known for his expertise in leveraging open-source software and using agile software development practices to accelerate innovative concepts aimed to increase the safety and improve the overall infrastructure efficiency of the transportation system. Dr. Lochrane received a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, M.S. in Civil Engineering and Transportation Systems, and B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Joshua Every, Ph.D.
Acting Deputy Director and Senior Scientist, HASS COE
joshua.every@dot.gov

Dr. Joshua Every is the Acting Deputy Director and a Senior Scientist at the USDOT Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE) specializing in testing and evaluation for highly automated systems. Dr. Every provides technical and programmatic leadership for the development and implementation of tools, techniques, and methods for the safe assessment of automation system performance across all modes of transportation. He previously served as Executive Director for Operations for Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC), supporting highly automated systems testing and evaluation activities and leading organizational development to prepare TRC for future testing needs. As the first Director of the Advanced Mobility Division at TRC, he oversaw growth from four founding members to more than 20 engineers, technicians, and project managers, and built a strong base of industry clients. Dr. Every was instrumental in the construction of the SMARTCenter, a new facility to support safe testing and evaluation of highly automated systems. He led the development of the technical capabilities to assess automated driving systems and delivered facility management, testing, and research services for a wide portfolio of government and industry clients. Dr. Every also supported the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Vehicle Research Test Center, where he focused on automated driving test procedures and safety measures, including completing research in heavy vehicle dynamics and active safety systems. Dr. Every received a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Denise Bakar
Communications Director, OST-R and HASS COE
denise.bakar@dot.gov

Denise Bakar is the Communications Director at the USDOT Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE). She leads strategic communications and partnerships, developing engagement strategies that help build collaborations and coalitions critical to the OST-R and HASS missions. Denise also served as the Communications Manager for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Interagency Working Group, which was established by Congress to develop a national strategy for AAM. Previously, Denise was a manager at Deloitte, where she developed and led the execution of high-visibility brand and organizational change strategies for big technology companies invested in autonomous mobility. Denise also led communications and developed program strategies for the Federal Highway Administration Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory and the CARMA Program, where she implemented an integrated approach that generated triple-digit growth in engagements and partnerships. She has developed global marketing strategies for luxury car brands, nonprofit organizations, professional athletes, and media personalities. Denise received an MBA from the George Washington University, an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University, and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.