New Faces at NCAT

Tom Harman, Senior Research Engineer 

At NCAT, Tom supports the delivery of training programs on asphalt-related topics while conducting cutting-edge research on asphalt materials, quality assurance systems, mixture design, and other emerging technologies. 

Before joining NCAT in March 2023, Tom served as National Highway Institute (NHI) Director for the Federal Highway Administration, where he served in a wide range of expanding roles over 33 years. His accomplishments at FHWA include overseeing the development of an accredited training portfolio including over 400 courses across 18 transportation disciplines. He pioneered the deployment of the SHRP Superpave system and oversaw the mobile asphalt laboratory program. He also established strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to enhance training offerings and expand the institute’s reach. 

As director of the FHWA Center for Accelerating Innovation, he oversaw the Every-Day Counts Program, a national initiative aimed at promoting innovation in transportation projects. He also spearheaded research and implementation efforts related to asphalt mixture design and played a key role in shaping national policies and standards related to asphalt pavement design and construction. 

Tom earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1985, his Master’s from the University of Illinois in 1987, and has conducted post graduate studies in civil engineering. Tom is a NHI certified instructor and has 11 published articles and workshops, 48 published papers and has written 67 FHWA reports to numerous published articles, papers, reports and workshops. 

Tom holds a U.S. patent on a gyratory compactor angle measurement device. 

He and his wife, Sharon, were married in 1996 and have three children: Ashley, Corey and Connor. He engages in Special Olympics golf with his son Corey, practices martial arts and showcases his musical talent in guitar and percussion at his local church.

 

Steven Stiefel, Communications Specialist 

Steven Stiefel started at NCAT in August 2023. He handles copy writing and editing, graphic design, photography, social media and putting together newsletters. 

He was previously publisher of the Fort Payne Times-Journal newspaper and is a freelance photographer who sees his work regularly published in various magazines and on websites.

Steven graduated from Auburn University in 1989 with a degree in communications. He earned his Master's in strategic communications from Troy University in 2013. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to live music, and spending time with family and friends going to Auburn football and other events.

 

Mike Ellenberger, Lab Technician

Mike started with NCAT in August and works in our Auburn laboratory. He originally moved to Auburn in 1985 to study wildlife management at the university. 

"I've never wanted to leave East Alabama," he said. 

He has spent the last 30 years as a project manager running a wildlife management and endangered species consulting company.

A passionate hobby of his is fishing. He claims to cast his rod in "everything from the tiniest rivulet to the greatest rivers, and small puddles to vast seas. Have flyrod, will travel!"

 

Robert Scroggins, Lab Technician

Robert works regularly from the NCAT Test Track in Opelika. He joined us in June 2022.

Prior to working for NCAT, Robert was employed by an environmental engineering consultant company. He specialized in industrial emissions testing and served as a member of the emergency response team that aided in natural disaster efforts.

He graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in geography. 

His hobbies include kayaking, disc golf, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. 

 

Chris Sullivan, Building Maintenance 

Chris started at NCAT in August and maintains NCAT facilities. Before coming to NCAT, he worked with Landscape Services.

He was born and raised in Birmingham. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in poultry science. He worked in a poultry processing plant in Decatur, AL., for 12 years, then moved to Montgomery to start a sign business. While there, he worked for Montgomery Academy and St. James School for 16 years in facility management. 

A couple of years ago, Chris and his wife, Lane, returned to Auburn, where they initially met. The couple has three children. Their daughter Gracie is an Auburn senior and a member of the defending Southeastern Conference and national runner-up equestrian team. Their son Tom is a wildlife biologist in Mobile and their other son, John, works for a sporting goods company in Atlanta. 

When he isn't working, Chris enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf.