UTEP CTIS - Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems

🚧✨ Inspiring the Next Generation of Transportation Engineers! ✨🚧

On June 22, 2026, the Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) welcomed participants from the TRIP Summer Program for an engaging, hands-on introduction to pavement and materials engineering. The event was led entirely by our talented student researchers, who did an outstanding job translating complex engineering concepts into interactive demonstrations and real-world applications.

The program began with a guided laboratory tour, providing participants with an inside look at CTIS's state-of-the-art research facilities. Throughout the day, attendees rotated through five technical stations, each highlighting key aspects of pavement engineering and transportation infrastructure research:

-Asphalt Mixing and Compaction Demonstration: Participants observed how asphalt materials are proportioned, mixed, and compacted to produce durable pavement structures.
-Air Voids (AV) Analysis: Students learned about volumetric properties and the importance of controlling air voids to enhance pavement durability and minimize premature distress.
-Skid Resistance Testing: This demonstration emphasized the relationship between pavement surface characteristics, friction, and roadway safety.
-Indirect Tensile Strength (IDT) Testing: Participants explored how asphalt mixtures are evaluated for their resistance to cracking under traffic loading and environmental conditions.
-Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS) Testing: The research team demonstrated accelerated pavement testing techniques used to evaluate rutting resistance and predict long-term pavement performance.

To conclude the program, participants transitioned from observers to engineers during an interactive Soil Stiffness Activity. Working alongside CTIS student researchers, they prepared soil specimens with varying moisture contents and observed firsthand how moisture influences compaction, stiffness, and the structural behavior of pavement foundations. This hands-on experience reinforced one of the fundamental principles of transportation infrastructure engineering.

CTIS is proud of our student researchers for their professionalism, leadership, and enthusiasm in delivering this educational experience. Their dedication not only showcased the innovative research taking place at CTIS but also inspired the next generation of engineers to explore careers in transportation and infrastructure.

We sincerely thank the TRIP Summer Program participants for visiting CTIS and look forward to continuing opportunities to engage and inspire future transportation professionals.

🚨 NOW HIRING 🚨

The Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) at UTEP is seeking applicants for the position of:

Associate Research Professor
Transportation Infrastructure, Materials & Intelligent Systems

Join a rapidly growing research program focused on innovative, real-world solutions in transportation infrastructure, intelligent systems, sustainability, and infrastructure performance.

📍 El Paso, Texas
📌 Full-Time Position
📅 Open Until Filled

Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more and apply.