Experience

Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose State University

• Executive Director

  • Jul 2014 - Present

  The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University conducts independent, internationally recognized surface transportation research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer activities. Our work aims to increase mobility for all by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nation’s transportation system. Dr. Philbrick leads four multi-university competitively selected consortia: the Mineta Consortium for Transportation Mobility, the Mineta Consortium for Equitable, Efficient, and Sustainable Transportation funded by the US Department of Transportation, the California State University Transportation Consortium funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (CA Senate Bill 1) and the Climate Change and Extreme Events Training and Research Program funded by the Federal Railroad Administration. Karen Philbrick has served as executive director of MTI since 2014, combining dynamic leadership and managerial skills with a demonstrated ability to foster and manage Board relationships. Dr. Philbrick is responsible for day-to-day administration, management, and long-term financial and strategic initiatives.Understanding the criticality of developing a new cohort of transportation professionals ready to lead a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry, Dr. Philbrick leads the delivery of a suite of programs for elementary, middle, and high school students to stimulate interest in careers in transportation. With an emphasis on engaging historically underrepresented youth, Dr. Philbrick works with Title 1 schools—with high percentages of children from low-income families—to deliver these innovative programs. She also leads the successful delivery of Leadership Academy with State DOTs, MPOs, and transit agencies designed for mid-career transportation professionals to learn the subject matter and interpersonal skills necessary to build consensus and lead effectively. Show less

• Deputy Executive Director

  • Jun 2011 - Jun 2014

  As Deputy Executive Director, Karen ensured compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and managed the portfolio of work conducted by MTI. While serving in this capacity, Karen authored a winning eight million dollar grant focused on surface transportation research.

• Director of Research

  • Apr 2009 - Jun 2011

  As research director, Karen oversaw the work of more than 230 principal investigators, the competitive selection of 138 research projects, and the publication of more than 175 peer-reviewed research reports and journal articles.



San José Spotlight

• United States
• Newspaper Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Transportation and Sustainability Columnist

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  Dr. Philbrick contributes a bimonthly column on transportation in the San Jose Spotlight, the recipient of the national Publisher of the Year award for independent online news. Dr. Philbrick contributes a bimonthly column on transportation in the San Jose Spotlight, the recipient of the national Publisher of the Year award for independent online news.



National Center for Intermodal Transportation, University of Denver

• Assistant Director

  • Oct 2006 - Apr 2009

  Dr. Philbrick coordinated the research studies conducted at the National Center for Intermodal Transportation (NCIT), including activities related to data collection, compilation, documentation and analysis. She ensured compliance with protocol guidelines put forth by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Denver and prepared oral presentations and written reports.

• Adjunct Faculty Member

  • Apr 2005 - Apr 2009

  Taught "Learning Applications and Analysis" (masters and doctoral level course)

• Research Psychologist

  • Aug 2002 - Sep 2006

  Dr. Philbrick’s research areas of expertise include transportation fatigue management and operator response to work related trauma. She has interviewed thousands of locomotive engineers and conductors, transit operators, airline pilots, maritime industry representatives, and truck drivers as part of her research.