At our January 2023 meeting, Karen Philbrick spoke about the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University.
The Mission of the Mineta Transportation Institute is: “To move is to live. At the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University, our mission is to increase mobility for all by improving the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of our nation’s transportation system. Through research, education, workforce development and technology transfer, we help create a connected world.”
Norm Mineta attended San Jose High School and was a Student Body President there. He became the first Asian American mayor of a big city, congressman, Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Transportation. Also, he founded the University (including SJS) of Transportation Program. The Institute at SJS includes the Mineta Consortium of Mobility/Diversity, which emphasizes research and workforce development, extreme weather impacts on transportation, and education. The last integrates policy that keeps pace with development, enhances a qualified and educated workforce at all levels, and works in middle and high schools to develop transportation projects. A critical part of this education effort is the psychology related to transportation, e.g., helping conductors handle traumatic events and PTSD. Finally, the Education Program offers guest lecturers who connect nature with transportation.