NEWS

The Louisiana Tech University College of Engineering and Science received three Louisiana Board of Regents grants totaling $327,420. These competitive grants will support student learning, faculty research, and technological advancement, enhancing the University’s reputation in engineering and science education.

Two projects were funded through the Departmental Enhancement Program, aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of academic and research units that promote economic development.

Dr. Lingxiao Wang, with co-PIs Drs. Matthew Hartmann, Prashanna Bhattarai, and William Long, will modernize the Automatic Control Laboratory with a $66,947 award. The initiative will provide AI-enabled Quanser Servo workstations, enhancing hands-on learning in electrical engineering and instrumentation and control systems engineering technology, while equipping students with in-demand industry skills.

Dr. Blake Farman, with co-PIs Ann Clifton, Dr. Stacey McAdams, and Dr. Jonathan Walters, secured $60,875 to establish the AXIOM Lab, a hub for student-faculty research in mathematics and statistics, and a venue for networking through meetings and industry panels.

The third project, led by Dr. Arwa Fraiwan, received $199,598 from the Research Competitiveness Subprogram, which backs innovative research initiatives for new faculty. The award will fund a groundbreaking study on microbial fuel cells that has the potential to expand its practical applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical biosensing.

“These grants exemplify the dedication of our faculty to advancing research and education in engineering and science,” said Dr. Arden L. Moore, interim associate dean of research for the College of Engineering and Science. “The funded projects will significantly enhance student learning experiences, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen Louisiana Tech’s position as a leader in innovation. I congratulate our faculty on their well-earned success and look forward to the impact these initiatives will have on our students and broader research community.”

Dr. Collin Wick, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, emphasized the significance of these awards in expanding research opportunities. “By securing these competitive awards, we are not only expanding research opportunities for faculty and students but also reinforcing Louisiana Tech’s role in driving technological advancements and workforce development. I am proud of our faculty’s accomplishments and am looking forward to seeing the impact these projects will have on both academia and industry.”