UofM Researcher Secures $1.23M DOT Grant to Advance Commercial Vehicle Safety
Innovative tire monitoring technology aims to improve roadway safety, fuel efficiency, and fleet performance nationwide
Dr. Kevin Berisso, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology
within the Herff College of Engineering, has been awarded a $1.23 million grant from
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop next-generation tire pressure
monitoring systems (TPMS) for commercial vehicles.
The federally funded research aims to improve roadway safety, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce operational costs across the commercial transportation industry through smarter, data-driven vehicle monitoring technologies.
Commercial vehicle tire failures remain a major contributor to roadway safety risks, increased fuel consumption, and costly maintenance issues nationwide. Dr. Berisso’s research focuses on advancing TPMS technology to provide more accurate, real-time tire performance data, enabling proactive vehicle management and improved fleet operations.
The project aligns with national transportation priorities centered on safer and more sustainable roadways while supporting innovation in the rapidly evolving automotive and logistics sectors.
Beyond its industry impact, the research will also create valuable hands-on learning opportunities for University of Memphis students, strengthening workforce development through applied research experiences in transportation technology and engineering innovation.
Research findings from the project are expected to inform future transportation policy, support industry-wide adoption of advanced monitoring systems, and contribute to greater efficiency and sustainability in commercial fleets across the country.
For more information, contact Berisso at kberisso@memphis.edu.
