Paula Raymond

Senior Scientist

Ms. Raymond has spent over 20 years studying road user behavior. She works to examine, understand, and predict the ways that human capabilities and limitations interact with vehicles and the environment. Her goal is to keep people safe and improve their daily lives. She has led and published dozens of studies for agencies that include FHWA, GHSA, NHTSA, and State Departments of Transportation, and her work supports all road users. Ms. Raymond leads philosophically and pragmatically across the research process. She develops methodologies, leads the operationalization, implements studies, directs analysis, interprets results, develops reports, and presents findings to diverse audiences. She carries the application of human factors principles nationwide as lead instructor for NHI’s Introduction to Human Factors for Roadway Design and Operations. Ms. Raymond leads programmatically as well. She generates program goals and problem statements, facilitates expert panels and workshops, and helps agencies and stakeholders identify priorities and solutions. Most of all, she builds and leads ToXcel’s multidisciplinary teams to bring our diversity of expertise to our clients’ needs.

Q&A

What’s a fact about you many people don’t know?

Our music room is a little crowded. We have a harmonica, two flutes, a ukulele, a guitar, an accordion, two trumpets, a cornet, a tenor trombone, a bass trombone, a tuba, a grand piano… and a bunch of kazoos.

What was your dream job as a child?

I always wanted to have a hundred careers. I’ve satisfied that itch by looking for new things to learn and by connecting information and understanding across areas. I have been told that I’m a bumblebee, combining bits from multiple sources to create new understanding. If I had known as a kid that I could hope to be a bumblebee, that would have been my dream.

What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Whatever I’m currently working on is always my favorite. I immerse myself in the challenge and it dominates my thoughts until the next challenge comes along.

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?

Hiking with my family and our dogs