MANTIS Director, Dr. Michael J. Starek, and Associate Director, Dr. Tianxing Chu, were among the attendees as the Conrad Blucher Institute (CBI) held talks with representatives from the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) in a collaborative effort to advance transportation initiatives (i.e., movement of people, data, and goods).

The CBI personnel was joined by Mr. Gregory D. Winfree and Dr. Joe Zietsman from TTI. Mr. Gregory D. Winfree, Agency Director of TTI, brought a wealth of experience to the table, having served in various capacities within the transportation sector. As an Adjunct Professor at the Texas A&M University School of Law and a member of the Texas Connected and Automated Vehicle Task Force, Winfree's expertise aligns with the goals of fostering innovation and efficiency in transportation systems. Dr. Joe Zietsman, Deputy Agency Director and Strategic Advisor at TTI, boasts a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to transportation research. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Zietsman has spearheaded numerous projects focusing on transportation planning, sustainability, and air quality. His visionary leadership has led to the establishment of groundbreaking initiatives, including a pioneering emissions testing facility.