“We need to be thinking towards the future,” she said. “As we become increasingly more reliant on our devices as we travel, we need to understand the implications for this on infrastructure.”
Going Places
Forbes: Repealing Fuel Economy Standards To Cost American Households Nearly $1000 Per Year
David Greene, research professor of civil and environmental engineering, was featured by Forbes for his research study on the effects of government fuel economy improvements. The study found that the improved standards had saved Americans a cumulative 1.5 trillion gallons of gas since 1975. Read about Greene’s research and the effects of repealing fuel economy standards.
Data, Take the Wheel
“At some point, we may get to a place where autonomous vehicle operation is the norm,” said Clarke. “But I think it’s going to take a while for us to get there.”
NSF Funds Social Work, Engineering Collaboration to Fight Flooding
“There are a variety of different systems in place around the country, and many ideas for how to use nature as part of new systems,” said Jon Hathaway, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering. “The challenge is that some areas are more willing to adopt new practices than others.”
Expert: What Texas, Louisiana Will Face Following Hurricane Flooding
Flooding is a huge concern for urban systems. Wastewater from inundated and compromised pipes will mix with floodwaters, creating major health issues.
Curbed: How E-bikes Can Help Turn Drivers Into Bike Commuters
According to Christopher Cherry, a transportation researcher at UT, e-bikes are 10 to 20 times more energy-efficient than a car. These vehicles can fill in a particular transit niche in denser areas—trips up to 3 to 4 miles—and can help replace journeys spent behind the wheel of a vehicle. Read More »
UT’s Dayakar Penumadu Helps Develop Breakthrough Adhesive
The current market for “lightweighting” materials already exceeds $150 billion, with a particular need—and thus, a growing market—within aerospace and automotive industries.
Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety
“This consortium will lead efforts to meet transportation safety needs throughout the United States,” said Khattak.
Chris Cherry
Cherry has looked at behavioral and environmental aspects related to electric bikes, scooters, and larger electric vehicles in his research and has published articles related to the growth of electrical two-wheelers.
Research Highlight: Thanos Papanicolaou
Thanos Papanicolaou’s research is informing farmers and improving agricultural techniques designed to preserve and restore soil organic carbon (SOC) for healthier soil. Carbon is essential to soil, but it is easily depleted from intensively managed landscapes. Papanicolaou’s research focuses on ground slope and its relationship to concentrations of carbon in the soil from organic sources. […]