Posted on June 5, 2025 by Klesse College Staff
Meet Samer Dessouky, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UTSA, whose research and teaching come to life in the Geomaterials Laboratory. This space is one of many in Klesse College that gives students hands-on learning experiences that reflect the work being done in industry. The lab, located on the main campus, provides opportunities for students at all levels to explore materials testing, sustainability research, and collaborative innovation.
Read the full Q&A with Dr. Dessouky down below to learn more this fascinating lab.
Name of your lab (location of lab building/room):
SD: BSE 0.230 Geomaterials Laboratory
Which students (major and level: UG, GRAD, PhD) use your lab?
SD: All students from UG (Surveying and Engineering Materials classes, student competitions), MS (Civil, Construction Management, and Mechanical Engineering students), and PhD (Civil Engineering students)
What is the thing in your lab that you are most proud of?
SD: The lab hosts faculty and students from different majors and fields in Klesse College, including Civil, Construction Management, Mechanical, and Biomedical Engineering, who are using our equipment.
What type of research takes place in your lab?
SD: Students in our lab perform sustainability research in an alternative use of right-of-way, including energy harvesting from pavement, cool pavement, light transparent concrete, recycled materials, in addition to pavement materials testing.
What type of funding did you receive to stock your lab with the existing equipment?
SD: Funding sources for our research include TxDOT, City of San Antonio, USDOT (University Transportation Center), and CPS Energy.
How does your lab help UTSA stand out from other engineering colleges?
SD: We provide students at all levels and degree plans with hands-on experience to develop innovation in construction materials to integrate solutions that help address challenges in pavement construction, environmental sustainability, and transportation safety. Students also work in multidisciplinary teams from other engineering and science fields to support their innovation. Particularly, I am proud of our students who participate in regional and national competitions offered by professional engineering agencies (ASCE, ITE, ACI, etc.) and use our labs to prepare and form their asphalt or concrete mix.
Anything else of interest?
SD: Our lab is always open to those interested in learning and participating in civil engineering research and working with a passionate, motivated group of students to help solve complex problems and advance our goal toward next-generation smart roadways.
— Klesse College Staff
