With a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Dr. Stacey Kulesza’s research focuses on making the infrastructure of Texas ports safer. She and her students are developing inventive methods to reduce the risk of bridge collapse, stabilize railroad tracks, and identify the movement of soils in shipping channels. You can see her and her students hard at work at STAR Park’s Infrastructure Research Lab. 

Why is TXST a good place to pursue your research?

Texas State’s hunger for research growth and entrepreneurial mindset have given me opportunities and allowed me to thrive as a researcher.  

Big picture, how do you hope your research can benefit Texas?

My team seeks to ensure that the transportation infrastructure that supports the livelihood of all Texans (railroads, bridges, ports) remains safe and operational for future generations. We develop methods to identify the current condition of aging infrastructures without having to take them apart, offer innovative repair solutions that limit closures, and design new systems that mitigate existing long-term challenges.   

What accomplishment at TXST has meant the most to you?

Being awarded a university transportation center from the U.S. Department of Transportation! There are only 35 centers nationwide; it is our first transportation center at Texas State, and with this $10 million research center we have the financial support to solve some of the nation's largest infrastructure challenges. The funding has also allowed us to financially support 30 undergraduate research assistants and 48 graduate research assistants, and we are only halfway through the grant.

What makes working with students meaningful for you?

Engineering is challenging—there are some really smart engineers, and we have really smart engineering students. That was never and will never be me. I have been successful primarily due to stubbornness and knowing that eventually I can figure it out. My most meaningful experiences are seeing undergraduate and graduate students have the moment when they realize that they didn’t have to instantly understand something, but since they were willing to work on it that they absolutely can figure it out. I push students, I know I do, and it’s hard, but it’s amazing to watch them get themselves over any big engineering hurdle.

What inspires you when you come to work each day?

The new problem of the day. I like defining a problem, coming up with a solution, and making it work. And when it doesn’t work, trying something different. It is the most inspiring and satisfying feeling to have a new challenge every day and to know my team can and will figure it out (eventually). 

TXST Star Stories

Read more stories of the Bobcats who contribute to Texas State University’s dedication to excellence, discovery, and innovation.