Letter From the Sr. Vice President of Research and Economic Development

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to this latest edition of our research magazine. At Lawrence Technological University, we find ourselves at a remarkable crossroads of innovation and impact. As a Carnegie-classified doctoral research university, we have witnessed phenomenal growth in our research portfolio over the past few years, a testament to the tireless curiosity of our faculty and the ambitious spirit of our students.

While LTU remains rooted in its heritage as a leader in engineering education, our comprehensive university status means that technology and experiential learning are woven into the fabric of every discipline we offer. Whether in the arts, sciences, business, health, architecture, or design, LTU’s “Theory and Practice” is more than a motto; it is a commitment to ensuring our students don’t just study the future; they build it.

To our students: I encourage you to dive into the world of research. At LTU, research is not a separate scholarly endeavor; it is a vital part of your education. By engaging in discovery, you are preparing yourselves for a rapidly changing global economy. Current U.S. economic priorities emphasize modernizing the workforce, addressing shortages in advanced manufacturing, energy, and in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. By participating in research during your LTU educational experience, you are becoming the skilled leaders the future needs.

LTU faculty define the future through their close partnerships with industry. Our research and partnership with the community is saving lives and ensuring safety. Our Healthcare Violence Reduction Center is doing critical work to improve the safety of healthcare workers and patients, impacting the security of our everyday living environment. Similarly, the Construction Safety Research Center works hand-in-hand with industry partners to reduce workplace injuries and set new standards for the trades. LTU’s impactful transportation research, bolstered by our enduring partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), continues to ensure that our national infrastructure is resilient, smart, and safe.

Across departments, our faculty are leading research to advance discovery and address real-world challenges. Among these efforts is a National Science Foundation-funded program led by Liping Liu and Elin Jensen addressing the critical shortage of skilled workers in STEM by creating a strong pipeline for graduate research and high-tech industry roles. Similarly, research led by Devesh Misra and funded by NSF directly supports the national focus on advanced manufacturing within the biotechnology sector by exploring materials that improve long-term patient outcomes.

As you turn the pages of this magazine, I invite you to explore the breadth of what we are accomplishing. We are more than a university; we are an incubator for the ideas that will define the next century. Whether you are a student looking to engage in research, a community member, or an industry leader looking for a solution, there is a place for you in LTU’s research space.

Let us continue to lead the charge into the future of technological innovation.

Warmly,

Nabil Grace, Ph.D., PE, FESD