Educating the Future: TTI’s Education Workforce Development Activities
FROM VOLUME 60, NUMBER 1 (2025)
Members of Camp Build pose for a picture outside the TTI Headquarters Building in Bryan, Texas.
FROM VOLUME 60,
NUMBER 1 (2025)
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In 2023, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), under the leadership of TTI Senior Transportation Research Engineer Melisa Finley, initiated a series of education workforce development activities aimed at inspiring and educating students about the diverse and exciting world of transportation. These initiatives targeted students across various groups, from middle school to high school. Finley shared her thoughts on the importance of these initiatives and their potential impact on the future of the transportations industry.
AVID Students Explore Careers in Transportation
On Jan. 27 and Feb. 24, 2023, TTI welcomed sixth-grade students from College Station’s Oakwood, Pecan Trail and Cypress Grove Intermediate Schools. These visits were part of the College Station Independent School District’s Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program, designed to prepare students for college and introduce them to unfamiliar professions. Finley emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “These early interactions can shape students’ perspectives and inspire them to consider transportation-related careers. We aim to inspire students at every age level, and these interactions with middle schoolers are a crucial part of the journey.”
During their time at TTI, students received a comprehensive introduction to transportation, covering topics such as transportation engineering, crash testing, traffic signal operations, retroreflective traffic control devices, bicycle infrastructure design, special event planning and teen driver safety. As part of the hands-on experience, students were tasked with building and racing puff mobiles — a fun and creative exercise that exemplified TTI’s commitment to making learning both engaging and practical.
TTI Hosts Camp Build
On June 15 and 22, 2023, TTI played a vital role in engaging approximately 60 high school juniors and seniors as part of the Texas A&M University’s Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s Camp Build. This week-long summer program is designed for high school students to explore the civil and environmental engineering program at Texas A&M University.
“High school students are at a pivotal point in their academic journey, and our goal is to provide them with insights that can help shape their future careers,” says Finley.
“High school students are at a pivotal point in their academic journey, and our goal is to provide them with insights that can help shape their future careers.”
Melisa Finley
TTI Senior Transportation Research Engineer
During the visit, TTI staff provided comprehensive information on transportation, transportation engineering and TTI research, offering students a glimpse into the innovative projects underway.
Students enjoyed tours of TTI’s Environmental and Emissions Laboratory, Sediment and Erosion Control Laboratory, and Visibility Laboratory, which provided them with firsthand exposure to the practical aspects of transportation research.
Additionally, the students engaged in discussions about critical issues in transportation safety, such as distracted driving, nighttime/drowsy driving, speeding, low seat belt use and impaired driving. The highlight of their visit was witnessing a live crash test, providing a powerful and memorable experience that demonstrated the real-world implications of transportation research. To further enrich their visit, students also participated in a hands-on learning activity where they built and raced puff mobiles, putting their creative and problem-solving skills to the test.
TTI Participates in Local Career Fair
In addition to hands-on educational initiatives, TTI participated in a career fair at Arthur L. Davila Middle School in Bryan, Texas, on March 9, 2023. Approximately 260 seventh- and eighth-grade students from the Bryan Independent School District’s AVID program and leadership classes were introduced to various transportation-related careers. Finley, along with TTI Senior Research Scientist Sue Chrysler, actively engaged with the students during the fair.
“Career fairs are a unique opportunity to provide students with insights into the vast array of career options within the transportation industry,” says Finley. “It’s not just about engineering; it’s about data science, psychology, communications and much more.”
Finley also highlighted the importance of showcasing the diversity of roles within the industry and the types of research conducted at TTI.
Finley’s leadership at TTI has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of transportation professionals. By engaging students from various age groups and backgrounds, TTI’s educational initiatives not only provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of transportation but also inspire young minds to consider careers in this ever-evolving field. Finley’s dedication to these programs and her commitment to making learning both enjoyable and informative are evident in the positive impact on students. The initiatives reflect TTI’s ongoing commitment to building a skilled and diverse transportation workforce, ensuring a promising future for the industry.
For more information, Contact
Melisa Finley
“High school students are at a pivotal point in their academic journey, and our goal is to provide them with insights that can help shape their future careers.”
Melisa Finley
TTI Senior Transportation Research Engineer
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FROM VOLUME 60, NUMBER 1 (2025)
