Effective Sept. 1, TTI Senior Research Scientist Michael Manser was promoted to the role of director of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) Center for Transportation Safety (CTS), succeeding Robert Wunderlich after his decade-long leadership as CTS director.
During his tenure, Wunderlich demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing transportation safety infrastructure and implementing operational improvements that have reduced injuries and saved lives. In his new role, Wunderlich will continue to support TTI researchers in their ongoing efforts to advance traffic safety on both state and national levels.
“Leading a Center filled with dedicated people working to make it safer to travel has been an honor and privilege,” says Wunderlich. “I’m proud of what the center has accomplished over the past ten years and look forward to seeing them have even greater success in the future. I am confident that I leave the CTS team in very capable hands.”
Those capable hands now belong to Michael Manser, who brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Manser’s journey at TTI began in 1998 when he worked as an associate research scientist in TTI’s Human Factors Program, conducting groundbreaking research on the distracting effects of in-vehicle devices on driver behavior and performance. After an 11-year tenure at the University of Minnesota, Manser returned to TTI in 2013, serving as the Human Factors Program manager and — most recently — as CTS assistant director.
Manser’s current research endeavors at TTI focus on the development of mental models and trust in relation to the use of varying levels of vehicle automation. Additionally, he has successfully developed and managed several Texas statewide education and outreach initiatives for the Texas Department of Transportation, including the Texas Statewide Motorcyclist Safety Coalition and the Texas Statewide Pedestrian Safety Coalition. He is also the founder and past chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Human Factors in Vehicle Automation Committee and is currently on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Motorcycle Advisory Board.
In accepting his new role, Manser expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as CTS director. “I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the trust and confidence placed in me with this promotion,” Manser notes. “I look forward to contributing to our center’s continued success.”
TTI congratulates both Michael Manser on his new role as director and Robert Wunderlich for his decade-long leadership. The institute eagerly anticipates the continued impact and success of CTS under their respective contributions.