Louisiana Tech University Secures $6 Million for Climate Research

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Researchers at Louisiana Tech University working on climate resilience projects.

News Summary

Louisiana Tech University professor Dr. Shengnian Wang has secured $6 million in funding from the National Science Foundation for a project aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change. This four-year journey will explore sustainable energy and water reuse systems to assist communities affected by extreme weather. The initiative not only aims to improve environmental conditions but also focuses on workforce development for students. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamie Newman has received recognition for her exceptional contributions in education and research at the university.

Louisiana Tech University Professors Make Waves in Climate Research

In the heart of Ruston, Louisiana, exciting news is buzzing around Louisiana Tech University. One of their own, Dr. Shengnian Wang, who teaches chemical engineering, has hit the jackpot with an astounding $6 million funding boost from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Yes, you heard that right! This funding isn’t just pocket change; it’s part of a larger $77.8 million investment aimed at 14 standout projects under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, also known as EPSCoR.

Aiming for Community Resilience

So, what’s all the fuss about? Dr. Wang, along with his colleagues from Jackson State University and the University of Nevada-Reno, is embarking on a remarkable four-year journey called “Empowering Community Resilience with Sustainable Energy and Water Reuse Systems.” The core mission? To boost communities facing the harsh realities of climate change by diving into advanced nanomaterials and electrochemistry.

This research is pivotal, as it aims to create a mobile energy-water reuse system designed specifically for those areas grappling with extreme weather. Think natural disasters, floods, and hurricanes. The ultimate goal is simple yet powerful: ensuring that communities have safe and reliable water and energy supplies when they need them the most.

Empowering the Future

But it doesn’t stop there! This project also has its sights set on workforce development and education, giving K-12 students and university students alike a chance to participate in immersive research experiences. This is truly a win-win scenario! Not only will communities become more resilient, but the local economy will also benefit from these innovative technologies.

Spotlight on Academic Excellence

Dr. Jamie Newman, an associate professor, has recently been recognized with the Louisiana Tech University Foundation annual Professorship award. This award honors her for her exceptional teaching, service, and research efforts, particularly in tracking COVID-19 through sewage analysis and creating a Virtual Anatomy Laboratory. Her hard work and dedication to mentoring students have certainly not gone unnoticed.

New Opportunities on the Horizon

commercial office building on the Ruston campus, with an investment of $15 million. Guess what? This project is expected to create approximately 750 new jobs over the next decade! Now that’s some good news for the local job market. Louisiana Tech Research Institute hub will be established at the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City. It aims to contribute to the Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, showcasing Louisiana Tech’s commitment to innovation and military collaboration.

Pushing the Boundaries of Technology

Tech Pointe II office building ramps up, planned to start in mid-2020 and complete by late 2021, there’s a sense of excitement about the future of research at the university. The building, which will span 60,000 square feet, is part of a broader initiative to transform the Enterprise Campus into a buzzing research park. Institute of Micro-manufacturing recently bagged a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to enhance military technology while extending the lifespan of electronic devices. This research is set to not only benefit the military but also spill over into consumer goods and the automotive sectors, creating even more opportunities for innovation.