Rafael Aldrete, Ph.D.

TTI Senior Research Scientist

Education

• Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1998
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1995
• B.S., Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, 1993

Short Biography

Dr. Rafael M. Aldrete is a Senior Research Scientist and a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). He holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, underscoring his deep technical foundation in transportation systems. As the Director of the Center for International Intelligent Transportation Research (CIITR) and Division Head for the San Antonio and El Paso regions, Dr. Aldrete brings extensive applied research experience aimed at enhancing cross-border transportation efficiency and implementing cutting-edge technological solutions at the U.S.-Mexico border.

With over two decades of experience in transportation research and management consulting, including an eight-year tenure at Booz Allen Hamilton focusing on international transportation management consulting, Dr. Aldrete has developed a broad expertise encompassing transportation management, cross-border transportation challenges, and infrastructure finance and economics, particularly in value capture and public-private partnerships (P3).

Under his leadership, the CIITR has evolved into a pivotal hub for developing technological and policy solutions that significantly improve operational efficiency at border crossings. The Center, under Dr. Aldrete’s guidance, has excelled in integrating Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to optimize traffic management, reduce congestion, and enhance cross-border traffic flow. These team-led innovative approaches have led to major advancements in real-time assessments of border crossing times and traffic volumes, utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and satellite imagery. Research and technology initially developed by TTI at CIITR are now deployed at border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border from Texas to California.

Recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in his field, Dr. Aldrete has been instrumental in advancing the use of value capture funding mechanisms for transportation throughout Texas and nationally through his contributions to the U.S. FHWA’s Every Day Counts initiative. This initiative aims to drive innovation in transportation infrastructure across the United States. His testimony before the Texas Legislature has covered a diverse range of topics, including value capture and broader border transportation issues. Additionally, he serves as the Chair of the World Road Association’s Committee on Financing and Procurement, where he continues to influence global transportation funding strategies.

Dr. Aldrete’s unwavering commitment to enhancing border transportation infrastructure and technology ensures his role as a pivotal figure in addressing U.S.-Mexico border issues, benefiting a diverse array of public and private sector stakeholders throughout Texas and beyond.