Short Line Safety Institute Appoints Director of Research and Organizational Development

Short Line Safety Institute Appoints Director of Research and Organizational Development

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) announced the hiring of Dr. Kim Davies-Schrils as Director, Research and Organizational Development.  This new role will be responsible for providing design, development, oversight and analysis of key programs for the SLSI.   The position will also be responsible for primary research, and scientific and technical reports based on the outputs of programs.

“Kim brings exactly the expertise the Short Line Safety Institute was seeking to assist our team in delivering a systemic analysis of the impact of our work on the industry,” said Tom Murta, Executive Director, SLSI.  “We have the added benefit of having worked closely with Kim during the development of the Safety Culture Assessment program.  We have first-hand knowledge of her capabilities in leading projects focused on human factors, aimed at improving safety culture in the transportation industry.”

Dr. Davies-Schrils, has a PhD in Industrial / Organizational Psychology with a research specialization that includes topics such as safety culture, fatigue, and worker well-being.  Dr. Davies-Schrils was most recently employed with Volpe National Transportation Systems Center as an Engineering Psychologist in the Human Factors Division where she led multiple research and evaluation projects aimed at improving safety in the railroad industry. Dr. Davies-Schrils has a history of dedication and enthusiasm for research methodology, organizational development, and public service, and brings years of experience from her work in the federal, academic, private, and non-profit sectors.

“Having been involved with the development of the Short Line Safety Institute, I am looking forward to taking the Safety Culture Assessment Program to the next level.  Our immediate priorities will be to conduct a systemic analysis of the impact of the Assessments and other SLSI programs on railroads, and to develop new initiatives as a result of what we learn from the analysis,” said Davies-Schrils.

Dr. Davies-Schrils is a graduate of Eckerd College, with an MA and a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Connecticut.  She will begin her tenure with the Short Line Safety Institute on April 7, 2019.