Undergraduate Researchers Tackle Freight Rail Decarbonization Challenge
Freight rail is responsible for only two percent of transportation emissions in the U.S. because of its high efficiency compared to freight trucking. According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) predicts a 30 percent increase in total freight demand by 2040. Thus, the growth of freight by rail would be crucial in order to reach the nation’s climate goals and further protect the environment. Amid rising freight demand, research initiatives like A-STEP (Achieving Sustainable Train Energy Pathway) play a key role in advancing sustainable rail technologies and informing policy decisions.
Together, with Dr. George List, professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at NC State University, and his undergraduate research team, A-STEP is working to provide valuable insights to policymakers and government agencies, helping them make decisions and enforce regulations in the largely private freight rail industry.
The project, which has been ongoing for almost four years, was awarded to NC State University by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as one of the four teams to work on the A-STEP project alongside Virginia Tech University and Oregon State University.
Hands-On Learning: The Impact on Students
In addition to its contributions to the future of freight rail, A-STEP also provides hands-on research opportunities for students through the CCEE Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.
“The REU program helps students understand key aspects of project management, including deliverables, timelines, resource allocation and client interactions,” said List, an expert in transportation system observability, control, and network planning.
Beyond mentorship, the REU Program encourages the collaboration between faculty and students. This engagement helps students develop technical skills in numerical analysis and engineering applications, while faculty members benefit from additional research support. Faculty help students gain valuable work experience through the physical application of what they are being taught in class. Students get a glimpse of what the professional world is like with the convenience of staying on campus.
“The program gives students the appreciation that college is different from high school and that faculty are not just teachers, but people trying to make contributions to knowledge,” said List.
For undergraduate students, participating in the REU program is both a learning opportunity and career advancement. Michael Hickey, a structural engineering major, is one of the students working on the A-STEP project under Dr. List’s mentorship. He is currently focused on the intermodal shift between rail and truck and in charge of the Chicago case study deliverable that will be sent to the DOE.
“I have learned how to navigate through databases by searching for keywords and articles needed and how the rail network works across America,” said Hickey. “This transportation research project has broadened my horizons about the entire field of engineering and will allow me to stand out on my resume.”
Advancing Rail Efficiency Through A-STEP Research
The main focus of A-STEP is the decarbonization of freight rail which is the reduction of the carbon footprint of transportation activity in the US. More specifically, the research is aiming to figure out alternative energy sources and diesel fuel as well as the cost intensity of goods transportation. The project also investigates the feasibility of shifting freight transport from truck to rail—a move that could lower transportation costs and emissions. However, rail transport faces the challenge of being not as responsive and timely as trucking. To address these concerns, researchers are exploring innovations such as robotic trains (autonomous) and AI-driven logistics to enhance rail efficiency.
From an environmental perspective, the A-STEP project addresses the impact freight rail decarbonization has on air pollution. Dr. Tongchuan Wei, assistant research professor and former graduate student highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and other pollutant species like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are associated with serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease,” said Wei.
By analyzing the environmental impact of freight rail, A-STEP aims to provide crucial data in order to mitigate negative effects it has on the environment.
In recent years, the railroad industry has evolved outside of its traditional roles. In the past, freight rail was widely used for bulk commodities over long distances.
Transportation activities have become competitive for markets such as small good shipments and retail establishments over shorter distances. There is interest in this development because it reduces the cost of delivering goods to consumers. A-STEP’s research is helping identify how freight rail can adapt to these trends while delivering economic and environmental benefits.
By combining hands-on research with real-world problem-solving, undergraduate participants gain invaluable technical skills and industry insights that prepare them for future careers in engineering and transportation. The collaboration between faculty and students fosters an environment where academic knowledge meets practical application, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is equipped to tackle the challenges of decarbonizing freight rail. As A-STEP continues to make strides in freight efficiency and environmental sustainability, it simultaneously shapes the future workforce, proving that impactful research and hands-on learning go hand in hand.