Employee Spotlight: Juan David Pava, Safety Programs Unit Chief

Employee Spotlight: Juan David Pava, Safety Programs Unit Chief

Juan David Pava joined the IDOT team more than 15 years ago as a research engineer in the Bureau of Materials and Physical Research, then acted as the research implementation engineer, later made the move to the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering as the work zone safety engineer, and finally moved into his current position as Safety Programs Unit chief in 2017.

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Pava's family immigrated in 2002 to Miami, where he went to high school. Here are some of his thoughts about his job and life outside of IDOT.

Tell me about your current job?

I lead the units that take care of vulnerable road user safety, work zone safety and railroad-highway crossing safety programs statewide. Each one of these programs performs analyses for the identification of potential safety improvements and provides support to the state through policy development, legislature development and review, federal program administration, regulatory interpretation and compliance, and other guidance and support for both internal and external stakeholders.

Most important impact of your work?

I find it very fulfilling to know that the programs we administer are assisting stakeholders to develop and implement safer projects throughout the state.

Favorite part of the job?

I really enjoy working with people and helping solve challenges. I can honestly say I have made good friends at IDOT who have challenged me intellectually and helped me grow in my position and as an individual.

Anything to highlight?

I have spent a lot of energy over the last year and a half developing the vulnerable road user safety program. I hope consideration of safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and other nonmotorized users continues to expand in project development, and we are creating tools to make this easier for people across the state.

Anything to tell us about your department?

The Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering spends a lot of effort developing tools to help assist in decision-making and prioritization. We pore over massive amounts of data so designers and planners don't have to and to ensure that safety is an integral part of any project. There is always an opportunity to make any project a bit safer, and this incremental approach to safety is crucial for long-term significant gains.

What prepared you for your current role?

I hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. I have participated in countless continuum education trainings, and I enjoy staying active with state and national industry organizations.

How do you contribute to your profession?

I have had the privilege of presenting at the Transportation Research Board National Conference. Currently I am a panel member at two National Cooperative Highway Research panels through the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering. I hold panel member positions in multiple research projects through pooled-fund programs.

What do you like to do outside the office?

In my free time, I like to spend time with my family. Lately, I have started playing pickleball (like everyone else), and I enjoy riding my bicycle through central Illinois.