MONROE – On Monday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited the 2025 Design and Research Conference at Louisiana Tech University, which featured senior presentations from students in their College of Engineering and Science. During the conference, students made presentations featuring innovations that could help in the fields of computing, energy, medicine and transportation, among others.
“There is so much innovation taking place on Louisiana Tech’s campus,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The students, and also Tech graduates who have stayed near the campus, are using their education to create products marketed around the world. This is impressive.”
Cassidy is a strong supporter of Louisiana Tech University. In January, Cassidy announced that the National Science Foundation would award the Louisiana Board of Regents $8 million to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) research and development, generate more scholarships and fellowships, and enhance collaboration for Louisiana’s students. Louisiana Tech is a partner in this initiative, and Cassidy wrote a letter of support for the grant.
Additionally, Cassidy secured $7 million across Fiscal Years 2024 and 2023 specifically for Louisiana Tech to empower North Louisiana research support for domestic semiconductor technology and workforce development. He also took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Monroe Street Corridor Project last October, which will improve roads and create more space for runners and cyclists in Ruston, including at Louisiana Tech.
While at Louisiana Tech, Cassidy also met with members of the University’s executive team, to discuss the University’s robust research portfolio and private partnerships that are benefiting the region, state and nation. In a statement, he was thanked for coming to Louisiana Tech by Mr. Jim Henderson, president of the University.
“We appreciate Senator Cassidy taking time to visit Louisiana Tech to hear about our vision and interact with students and faculty,” said Mr. Jim Henderson. “The Senator has been a consistent supporter of Louisiana Tech and the entire higher ed enterprise. This opportunity to share our research vision, including our work in advancing the timber industry through our new Forest Products Innovation Center and our leading-edge research in traumatic brain injury, is important to showcase our faculty’s commitment to addressing enduring and emerging challenges.”
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