RailTEC Graduates Working Around The World

Welcome to the University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC)

In the news

RailTEC Announces New Assistant Professor Dr. Yuanchen Zeng

RailTEC is pleased to welcome Dr. Yuanchen Zeng who will be joining the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in summer 2026 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). Dr. Zeng is currently at Delft University of Technology where he has held a postdoctoral research position in their Railway Engineering section... Read More

RailTEC Student Spotlight – Kaifeng Hu

Kaifeng Hu started at RailTEC early in the summer of 2025, but he is already taking on the responsibility of continuing the research work started by Neeraj Thakur. Hu studied mechanical engineering before his time at RailTEC and holds a BS from Purdue University and a MS from Carnegie Mellon University, and is now pursuing... Read More

Virtual Railway Engineering Short Courses Available

You are invited to join us for one or both weeks of RailTEC’s short course this August. Each course will run virtually on Monday – Thursday from noon – 4:00pm (Central) and participants earn 14 professional development hours per week. Past attendees include rail professionals, engineers, planners, consultants and more from employees throughout the rail... Read More

What we do

Education

RailTEC inspires and engages students by offering the most extensive curriculum in railway engineering and transportation in North America. We offer multiple courses on rail topics and are committed to placing our graduates in rewarding public and private sector positions.  RailTEC also supports continuing education of rail professionals through seminars, short courses and conferences.

Research

RailTEC is a global leader in practical and theoretical research advancing the field in a broad range of important and timely railroad and rail transit engineering and transportation topics. Advanced research investigations are underway in railway safety, systems, and infrastructure, addressing dozens of topics that are essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, reliability, sustainability and resiliency of railroad freight and passenger transportation.

Service

RailTEC shares its expertise with industry, government, academia, and the public helping to interpret and apply knowledge and implement solutions to advance rail transport and engineering. Our faculty and staff are well engaged as leaders and members of AREMA, TRB, AAR, ASCE, INFORMS, and IAROR committees.