Now an Endowed Professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Biomechanical Engineering and Mechanics and a Distinguished Fellow in the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, Dr. Thomas Dingus previously served as the Director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) for over 25 years. Recognized as a world-renown transportation safety pioneer, Dingus was awarded the SAE Arnold W. Siegel Humanitarian Award in 2024 and the United States Government Award for Safety Engineering Excellence by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023. Because of his exemplary leadership and innovation in transportation safety, Dr. Dingus was named a White House Champion of Change by President Barack Obama and Secretary Ray LaHood in 2013. Dr. Dingus has provided key driving safety testimonials for U.S. Congressional subcommittees, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the National Council of State Legislatures. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (2015-2018) and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (2013-2017).