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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today congratulated University of Michigan Research Scientist Dr. James Sayer for being named a “White House Transportation Champion of Change” for his exemplary leadership and innovation in transportation. Dr. Sayer was selected for the award by the White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation. He has been instrumental in leading and developing the university’s vision for introducing connected and automated vehicle technologies, and continues to lead the design, development and implementation of Mcity, a facility that will allow the automotive community to test cutting-edge technologies.

“The work Dr. Sayer is doing at the University of Michigan is where the future of transportation lies in this country,” said Dingell. “He is one of the nation’s leaders in the development and deployment of connected vehicle technology, which will improve safety, reduce congestion and conserve energy. Dr. Sayer’s work at Mcity is helping to drive this vision forward, and I join the university community in thanking him for his important contributions and congratulating him on this well-deserved honor.”   
 
Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation issued a draft report examining the trends and choices facing America’s transportation infrastructure, and predicting increased gridlock nationwide. This year’s Champions of Change event is meant to honor those who recognize these challenges in transportation, and have endeavored to solve them. Dr. Sayer is one of 11 such individuals selected by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and the White House who will be honored at the event on Tuesday, October 13 in Washington, DC.