José Weissmann researches transportation infrastructure management and pavement materials.
(May 15, 2018) -- José Weissmann is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio, specializing in transportation infrastructure management and pavement materials.
Weissmann has been a member of the UTSA faculty for 25 years and is the author of several studies on transportation topics, including the long-term impact of heavy trucks on Texas roads and state transportation investment, as well as works that delve into how to make bridges and roads safer and public transportation more cost-effective.
How would you describe your current research? Why did you decide to focus on this topic?
My current research has a very wide spectrum in the transportation area. However, I have many projects completed in the highway infrastructure management area, more specifically truck size and weight regulation impacts on the highway infrastructure.
What is one experience as a professor or researcher that has inspired you?
We did a significant amount of work for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that supported the passage of two propositions that provided TxDOT access to the Texas Rainy Day Fund and supported the end of some tax diversions that were affecting transportation funding.
These approved propositions are what is funding the design and construction boom that is going on at the moment in Texas. The report that supported these propositions is called the Texas 2030 Committee report. UTSA was listed as one of the authors.
Another example is the work that supported discussions at the last Texas Legislative session on truck size and weight regulations. My colleagues and I have collaborated on several bills and discussions with the state government that have had an impact I’m very proud of.
What advice do you have for a student considering joining your field?
We give you the basic tools to get started once you graduate. However, remember that your life and your career are a long journey that involves retraining and reinventing yourself.
What is the most important thing going on in your field that no one is talking about?
The needed change in how we occupy the land and associated population densities and the effect it has on how trips are generated. Texas will have to change the way our cities are laid out to improve transportation issues and make other transportation alternatives feasible.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful. The practical question is how wrong they have to be to not be useful.” -- George E. P. Box
Learn more about the UTSA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join us on your lunch or 30 minute wellness break and "Lego" of your stress with fun activities like Legos, PlayDoh, coloring pages, puzzles and more!
Mesquite Room (SU 2.01.24,) Student Union, Main CampusMove In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
