The DOT POD

Engineering shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, including the roads and bridges we travel every day. At the New York State Department of Transportation, women engineers are leading major transportation projects, mentoring future professionals, and helping shape the future of transportation across our state. Every year on June 23rd, International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers around the world and shines a spotlight on the opportunities engineering creates for future generations. In this episode, Josh and Anya are joined by two outstanding members of our engineering team who have built remarkable careers in public service: Adrienne LiBritz-Cooley is the Director of the Structures Specialty Engineering Bureau in DOT's Office of Structures, and Angelica Naumowicz, Design Squad Leader in the Office of Design.

Every time we pull up to an intersection and the light cycles smoothly from green, to yellow, to red, there is literally a team behind that moment - those who work behind the scenes in our NYSDOT Signal Shops. In this episode of the DOT POD, we are stepping into a world that most drivers rarely think about...until the lights go out. We are talking about traffic signals at one of our many signal shops.Josh and Anya are joined by Jess Muller and Don Paciello from the Mohawk Valley Signal Shop, about how they maintain all those signals as well as the communications systems that tie everything together.

This Veterans Day the DOT POD is taking time to honor the veterans within our DOT family; the people whose dedication to our country continues through their service to the people of New York. Their sacrifice, discipline, and commitment inspires all of us, and on this episode, Josh and Anya are joined by one of these dedicated employees who is ensuring that our veterans are supported every day at DOT -- Cody Baker, Director of Facilities and Employee Safety, as well as NYSDOT's Veteran Services Liaison.

Many airports are run by counties, or airport authorities, but Republic Airport on Long Island is actually owned and operated by the New York State Department of Transportation. The airport is one of the busiest in New York State in terms of aircraft operations and it is home an annual airshow and supports regional sporting events and venues including the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya are joined by Republic Airport's Director, Tony Ceglio to talk about the airport and DOT's involvement.

Changes are happening to the traffic lights you drive through every day!On this episode of The DOT POD, we are talking about traffic technology that's being implemented right now to make our signals smarter and ready to talk to the vehicles of the future. Josh and Anya, recording from the Great NY State Fair, are joined by Ryan Meagher from DOT's Office of Traffic Safety and Mobility.

On any given day in New York, animals are vulnerable to being struck by vehicles on our roadways...and these collisions aren't just dangerous for wildlife. On this episode of the DOT POD, Josh and Anya discuss how the New York State Department of Transportation is working to provide safe passage for wildlife with the safety of nature and humans in mind. They are joined by two people who are helping the cause in Stephanie DeLano, Director of DOT's Environmental Science Bureau within the Office of Environment, and Chris Standley, Environmental Specialist with the Office of Environment. To get an up close and personal look at one of these Wildlife Crossings, head to the 2025 Great New York State Fair where one will be on display in the Science and Industry building!

Work at NYSDOT can sometimes be a messy business. Think about maintaining worm-composting toilets at a state rest are - or transforming roadkill into renewal by cleaning and composting animal carcasses from our state highways. Those are just a couple of the MANY challenging jobs our dedicated DOT employees tackle daily, and we'll find out more about them on this episode that looks at the dirtier side of DOT. Josh and Anya are joined by Lou D'Astrii who oversees the Southern Tier Welcome Center in Kirkwood, NY and Russ Burckhard, Highway Maintenance Supervisor 1 based out of Voorheesville, NY for this special, Dirty Jobs Edition of the DOT POD.