MinerAlert
MinerAlert
El Paso, TX – May 25, 2025 — Graduate student researchers from UTEP’s Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) made a strong impression at the 2025 Infrastructure Advancement Institute (IAI) Summit.
A group of UTEP Civil Engineering and CTIS graduate students Pedro Chavez, Parastoo Bahri, Sandeep Reddy, and Suhail Vaid attended the 2025 IAI Summit held from May 19–21 in Houston, TX. During the IAI Student Poster Competition, the students shared their research with professionals, professors, and fellow students, earning praise for their hard work and ideas.
IAI 2025 Summit Reflection – Parastoo
“Attending the IAI 2025 Summit was an incredible experience and a valuable opportunity to present my research poster titled 'Evaluating the Impact of Design Density and RAP Content on Asphalt Performance: A Comprehensive Field and Laboratory Study.' I received encouraging feedback from several attendees, including representatives from Departments of Transportation (DOTs) who were familiar with the project and emphasized the value of continuing this line of research—especially given that aspects of the project are already being implemented. One session that truly stood out to me explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence on people's lives, engineering, and management practices. It was fascinating to see how AI is being integrated into infrastructure decision-making and materials engineering. This session inspired me to think more deeply about how AI could potentially support pavement performance prediction and lifecycle assessment in future work. I also had the chance to network with professionals and researchers who share similar interests, and their insights have given me new ideas for expanding the scope of my research. The overall experience left me more motivated and excited about the real-world application and potential of my work.”
IAI 2025 Summit Reflection – Suhail
“At the IAI Summit, I had the opportunity to present my poster titled ‘Predictive Modelling for the Development of Accelerated Aging Protocols in Hot Mix Asphalt.’ The event served as an excellent platform to engage with professionals from both the asphalt and concrete industries. Their insights provided valuable perspectives on the practical demands and challenges currently facing the pavement industry. These interactions not only deepened my understanding of my own research but also highlighted areas where my work could be aligned more closely with industry needs. Engaging with fellow researchers presenting their work further enriched my experience, allowing me to grasp the scope of ongoing research efforts in related fields. One of the standout moments for me was a presentation by Kiran, who discussed real-world challenges encountered on a highway project and the innovative solutions that were developed to overcome them. This session particularly resonated with me, as it reinforced my aspiration to become a design engineer someone who tackles real-life engineering problems and contributes practical, effective solutions. Overall, the summit was both inspiring and informative, and it helped reinforce the relevance of my research while offering direction for future professional growth.”
IAI 2025 Summit Reflection – G. Sandeep Reddy
“I had the opportunity to attend the IAI Summit 2025, which was held in Houston, Texas. As part of the event, I participated in a poster presentation session, where I showcased a portion of my research focused on aggregate frictional performance evaluation using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer. This experience not only allowed me to share my work but also to engage in meaningful conversations with professionals and researchers in the field. During the summit, I had the chance to meet and connect with fellow students from various universities across Texas, as well as industry professionals and representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and insights into current trends and real-world challenges in transportation engineering. One of the sessions that resonated with me the most was the presentation on the I-35 Extension Project, which offered a deep dive into pavement design considerations. The speaker’s insights provided on how I-35 looks in 2035 and highlighted the importance of well-informed pavement strategies. Another session that stood out to me was titled ‘The Right Pavement for the Right Situation,’ which further reinforced my appreciation for context-specific design in pavement engineering. The dedicated time for the poster session was particularly worthy. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with delegates from both the private sector and public agencies, receive constructive feedback, and discuss potential applications of my work. Overall, the IAI Summit 2025 was an inspiring and enriching experience. It deepened my interest in pavement design and motivated me to continue advancing my knowledge in this vital area of transportation infrastructure.”
Joining the group at the summit was Dr. Nancy Beltran, a CTIS alumna and current Director of Concrete Pavement for the Cement Council of Texas. Her presence and continued leadership in the field served as an inspiration to current students and highlighted the lasting impact of CTIS alumni in the industry.
The summit featured expert panels, technical sessions, and numerous networking opportunities, offering students a rich platform to exchange ideas, gain exposure, and develop professional connections. CTIS is proud of its students and alumni for representing UTEP with excellence and looks forward to continued success in future conferences.