Interview with Mark Smith, Technology Integration Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Office
December 20, 2018
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Mark Smith, Technology Integration Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Office
The Vehicle Technologies Office’s Technology Integration Program Manager, Mark Smith started his career in the steel and metals industry.
How long have you been with the Vehicle Technologies Office?
I joined DOE in early 2010 and have been in VTO the entire time working in the Technology Integration program.
How did you get into your area of work?
Somewhat by accident. My entire career had been spent in the steel and metals industry when an opportunity presented itself in the alternative fuels industry. As an avid Indy 500 fan and a Technical Committee member, automobiles always interested me. Finding a way to merge my passion with an emerging movement really excited me. That was over 20 years ago and now I enjoy the opportunity to be in the forefront of innovation and research.
What excites you about your work at VTO?
Transportation impacts everything we do in our daily lives, from how we commute to work, to the delivery of goods and products to distribution centers, stores and now to our homes. The work we do in VTO has a positive impact on energy efficiency through the introduction of advanced vehicle technologies, fuels and materials. As I attend various transportation conferences and vehicle exhibitions it is very gratifying to see new vehicles in the marketplace that are using many of the technologies that VTO plays a role in developing.
What are the most remarkable changes you’ve seen for vehicles over the years?
The advent of new technologies has always been exciting to witness, however, the pace at which automated vehicle technologies are evolving and the impact they are having today is remarkable. While I cannot predict when we will see automated vehicles become mainstream, many of today’s passenger vehicles are utilizing automated technologies. Some of these include lane-keeping cameras, automated braking and adaptive cruise control. The same technologies are also being developed for long-haul trucks. VTO is doing work in the area truck platooning. This is where trucks travel on the highway one after another in formation, thus reducing wind drag while increasing fuel efficiency.
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
I enjoy running and biking and hope to resurrect my golf game, if I can find the time.