Louisiana Universities Working Together in Engineering Research
By: Erik Wheater
Updated: October 20, 2010
"There are always going to be projects that require innovative thought processes to go in and change the world," student success specialist Jane Petrus told NBC 10 News.
For scientists and engineers, changing the world begins with research and that job will be made easier by a 20 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation.
Scientists from Louisiana schools currently have the ability to study simple molecules. But, the funding will allow them to buy powerful computers and build models for research before developing materials in the lab.
This will make it easier to study more complex concepts.
"Scientists will use common tools to generate predictions and the experimentalists will use those predictions to refine tools," said Ramu Ramachandran PhD, associate dean of the Louisiana Tech College of Engineering.
Funding will also be used to get Louisiana students interested in math and science careers. Universities will work with students offering internships and job opportunities and will encourage them to work towards higher degrees.
"Without getting more of our young people to go into engineering and science, we as a country are in trouble,” said Ramachandran.
Better research techniques and educated students will play an important role in the economic future of Louisiana.
