Luke Cooper

TTI Associate Research Scientist

Short Biography

Jesse Luke Cooper is a recent hire with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) as an Associate Research Scientist. With twenty years working, in geophysical applications and utilities, Luke’s expertise is focused on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Time-Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) geophysical surveys, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), and utility conflict identification and coordination for clearance in transportation infrastructure projects. Other fields of note include infrastructure and asset management, seismic data processing, and building 2D and 3D utility corridor models. He holds a B.S. in Geophysics from Texas A&M University, with minors in Mathematics and Geology.

Luke’s work experience includes roles as a Utility Coordinator and Geophysicist at Lina T. Ramey & Associates, where he coordinated conflict resolution activities to be in compliance with TxDOT’s Utility Accommodation Rules. He also served as a Geophysicist at both Lina T. Ramey & Associates and Utility Mapping Services, Inc., where he developed single and multichannel GPR capabilities to find utility infrastructure, clear drilling sites, detected voids, and managed 2D/ 3D SUE and Utility Coordination projects. Currently, Luke is participating in two research projects, focusing on Ground Penetrating Radar and reimbursable utility interests.

In addition to his professional achievements, Luke is an active member in Texas UESI and Texas ASCE. He has presented on topics such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at Texas ASCE events, including a notable presentation on March 28, 2023, titled “Ground Penetrating Radar hosted by Texas UESI.” Luke has also written and contributed to significant reports and studies, such as the “Central Water Authority (CWA) GPR Void Study” at Lake Houston Dam and the “61 GPR Boring Site Clearance Sites” at DFW Airport.

Notable projects in Luke’s career include the 7.3-mile SH105 roadway widening in Sour Lake, Texas, and the 2.5-mile SH191 highway and interchange construction in Midland County, Texas, where he identified and coordinated resolution options for hundreds of utility conflicts. He has also led or conducted significant geophysical surveys, such as the MCGPR underground utility locating of 1.1 acres in historic Tallinn, Estonia, 4.8 acres of Kamehameha Hwy, HI, and the 7.4 acres of utility designation of historic utilities in downtown Deadwood, South Dakota. Notable SUE projects include the model building and delivery of 0.75 acres of 3D SUE at the Ineos Administration Area, Houston, TX and the 1.75 acre 3D SUE at the Westlake/Meter Yard, Sulphur, LA.