MxV Rail Welcomed Innovators from 13 Universities this Year

September 6, 2024, Pueblo, CO – MxV Rail recently hosted its 2024 Annual University Days on August 12 to 13. The two-day conference was split between the Pueblo Convention Center and MxV Rail’s Pueblo Plex test facility with an agenda full of programing to tackle the greatest challenges in rail engineering and technology and support the next generation of railroad industry leaders.

5 Highlights from 2024 University Days

1) Day 1 focused on exploring the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI) with updates from MxV Rail experts, two Class I railroad guest lectures, and status updates from university teams working on grand challenge research projects.

2) Day 2 was a unique opportunity for students to walk the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST®) track, the location for much of industry’s cutting-edge research. As they walked the FAST track, students gained real-world experience in observing rail infrastructure, mechanical problem-solving, and the inspection systems typically used in the North American freight railways.

3) Thirty (30) attendees joined this year, including students and faculty from 13 universities and two North American Class I railroad partners.

4) Blu the Bison – MxV Rail’s special intern – was present as on-the-scene reporter and a favorite for visitor pictures.

5) 2025 will be here before we know it, and plans are already underway for the next set of University Days. Watch the conferences page for details.

“Every year I’m inspired by the diversity of student talents and ambitions of the university teams competing in grand challenge research,” said MxV Rail Scientist Anish Poudel. “It’s an honor to host the program, and I can honestly say that they inspire our research initiatives at MxV Rail as much as we are supporting their work.”

Contact:       Niki Toussaint, Senior AVP Marketing & Education,
niki_toussaint@aar.com, 719-671-8676