U.S. Senator, Congressmen Tour U of A Research Facilities

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark. 3^rd) and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala. 3rd) recently visited the U of A to tour two of the university's research facilities, gaining firsthand insight into how U of A innovation is helping meet the needs of the state and nation.  

The visits included the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Facility (MUSiC) and the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center (CEREC), where faculty, researchers and students conduct cutting-edge work in semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing and civil infrastructure.

"The innovative solutions being developed at the University of Arkansas’s CEREC and MUSiC laboratories have the potential to strengthen American leadership both economically and militarily, and I’m grateful Chairman Rogers had the opportunity to see that work firsthand," Womack said. "This is only the beginning, and I’ll continue working to ensure these programs have the federal resources they need to grow and keep Arkansas at the nexus of advancing cutting-edge technology and national security objectives."

The visit highlighted the university's rapidly growing research enterprise and its commitment to increasing annual research expenditures to $500 million while making targeted investments in priority growth areas that can deliver meaningful impact for Arkansas and the nation.

“The University of Arkansas’ state-of-the-art Civil Engineering Research and Education Center isn’t just preparing their students to land jobs after graduation, they’re preparing the next generation of leaders to guide our state and nation toward an even brighter future," Cotton said. "I was grateful to the university’s faculty and staff for having me for a tour, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make Arkansas a leader in higher education.”

Rogers, who is also the chairman of the House Armed Forces Committee, was thankful for the opportunity to tour the facilities and see first-hand how the work being done is having an immediate impact in the national security field. 

“I was honored to visit the facilities at the University of Arkansas,” Rogers said. “Though I am the proud representative of Southeastern Conference rival, Auburn University, I was thoroughly impressed by the work the University of Arkansas is doing. Through their programs, students are entering the workforce prepared to contribute to many strategically important areas. I am very thankful for this opportunity from the university and for their work to strengthen our country’s national security.”

At MUSiC, university leaders showcased the nation's only openly accessible silicon carbide semiconductor fabrication facility. The facility provides researchers, government partners and industry collaborators with opportunities to develop and prototype next-generation semiconductor technologies that are critical for energy systems, transportation, aerospace applications and national security.

At CEREC, researchers are developing innovative solutions for transportation systems, structural engineering and resilient infrastructure. The center includes large-scale testing facilities that allow faculty and students to study construction materials, bridge systems and emerging technologies designed to improve safety, efficiency and long-term performance.

Both facilities exemplify the institution's land-grant mission by bringing together research, education and service while creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in fields that are vital to Arkansas' economy.

As the U of A continues to activate its 150 Forward Reaching Higher strategy, partnerships with federal leaders, industry and research collaborators will play an important role in accelerating discoveries, attracting investment and creating opportunities for students, communities and businesses across the state.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.