RIT’s liberal arts dean recognized by National Academies for exceptional service

James Winebrake, dean of RIT’s College of Liberal Arts, has been recognized as a national associate of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The prestigious designation is offered to fewer than 50 people per year by the National Academies and recognizes people who have made exceptional contributions to the work of the academies.

Winebrake is a leading expert in the area of transportation and the environment and has participated on numerous research committees sponsored by the National Academies. Most recently, he chaired two committees related to the evaluation of freight trucking in the United States. He has also served on National Academies’ committees related to truck fuel economy standards and greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization that strives to solve some of the nation’s most pressing problems and contributes to informed public policy decisions,” he said.

Winebrake is also a member of several committees of the Transportation Research Board, which is a subsidiary organization of the National Academies that provides innovative, research-based solutions to improve transportation. In 2017, he was the recipient of a certificate of appreciation from the Transportation Research Board’s Energy Committee for his leadership and contributions in understanding the energy and environmental impacts of the freight sector. He has also served on the Alternative Transportation Fuels and Technology Committee, the Marine Environment Committee, and the Freight Transportation Economics and Regulation Committee.

The National Academy of Science was established in 1863 by an act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. And the National Academy of Medicine was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues.

The three Academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.