The Canadian Technical Asphalt Association (CTAA) announced Susan Tighe as its newest Honorary Member during its 70th annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Toronto. This prestigious recognition celebrates Tighe’s outstanding contributions to asphalt and pavement engineering in Canada and around the world.
Honorary Membership is the highest and most prestigious distinction awarded by CTAA. It is reserved for individuals who have performed exceptional leadership, distinguished service, and lasting impact in advancing the science, practice and sustainability of asphalt roads and pavement engineering.
Tighe, President and Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Civil Engineering at McMaster University, is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in sustainable transportation infrastructure. Her visionary “cradle-to-grave” research program integrates fundamental materials science, advanced performance evaluation, and real-world implementation, delivering resilient, low-carbon solutions for roads and airfields in Canada and around the world.
A long-standing and highly respected member of CTAA, Tighe has authored or co-authored more than 50 technical papers presented at CTAA conferences. Her leadership roles within the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) and the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) further underscore her enduring commitment to professional excellence, collaboration and knowledge mobilization.
“I’m humbled by this tremendous honour,” said Tighe. “My life’s work in engineering has been focused on asphalt and pavement innovation, so it’s wonderful to be recognized by my peers and a leading authority in this field.”
Over more than two decades, Tighe has shaped the future of pavement engineering through groundbreaking research in sustainable asphalt materials, advanced performance modeling and pavement preservation strategies. Her influence extends well beyond technical innovation — she has mentored generations of students, engineers and researchers, many of whom now serve as leaders across industry, academia and public agencies.
That legacy was evident at the 2025 CTAA conference, where Daryush Esmaili, a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering and one of Dr. Tighe’s students, received the Best Poster Award for research focused on optimizing asphalt lifecycle and performance through integrated corridor planning.
