At the Build America Center (BAC), we are proud to spotlight the exceptional work of our research assistants who are driving innovation in transportation infrastructure. This new series will showcase the impactful contributions of the BAC’s talented researchers, starting with Deepak Benny, a doctoral researcher at Purdue University. Deepak’s groundbreaking work in transportation engineering and infrastructure finance is shaping the future of U.S. infrastructure policy.
Deepak Benny is a doctoral researcher in Transportation Engineering and Infrastructure Systems at Purdue University, serving as the Midwest branch of the Build America Center (BAC). Under the mentorship of Dr. Samuel Labi, Deepak’s research, supported by the BAC, focuses on innovative financing models for transportation infrastructure. His work aims to optimize federal grant allocations and develop sustainable funding strategies to address the challenges posed by declining fuel tax revenues, all while incorporating forward-looking policy frameworks.
Deepak’s exceptional work has garnered recognition through several prestigious fellowships. In the 2024–2025 work year, he was awarded the Young Professionals in Infrastructure (YPI) Fellowship, a distinction given to emerging leaders shaping U.S. infrastructure policy. Additionally, he was named an Executive Fellow of the International Road Federation (IRF), joining a global cohort committed to advancing road safety and sustainable mobility. As part of the fellowship, Deepak participated in a week-long leadership program in Washington, D.C., with visits to key institutions such as the World Bank. Furthermore, he was selected to receive the Eno Future Leaders Development Conference Fellowship, an honor given to top transportation students to foster engagement with senior national policymakers and industry leaders.
Deepak Benny receiving Fellowship award from Executive Vice President of the IRF
During the 2024–2025 period, Deepak presented his research at over ten reputable national and international conferences. These included the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) International Conference on Transportation and Development (ICTD), the International Road Federation (IRF) Conference, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) International Annual Meeting, and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Public-Private Partnerships (P3) in Transportation Conference, where he also served as a panelist.
Deepak Benny (in the middle) at the ARTBA panel on “Developing Future Leaders in Infrastructure”
Deepak’s work continues to have a significant impact on advancing innovative transportation infrastructure solutions, positioning him as a rising leader in the field.