LTU Meets with Saudi Delegation on Advanced Materials Research

Lawrence Technological University hosted a delegation on April 10 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), which explores environmentally and economically efficient hydrocarbon solutions and innovative technologies.

The visit sparked exciting future opportunities for collaboration in a wide variety of research and applied innovation at LTU.

OSP’s efforts are concentrated on three priority sectors: materials (modern construction solutions, composites, and sustainability applications), transportation (covering road, aviation, and maritime innovations), and utilities (including agriculture, industry, and power systems). Across these domains, OSP is pioneering lower-emission fuels, advanced mobility solutions, and next-generation technologies that contribute to global sustainability objectives while ensuring energy access and reliability.

LTU President Tarek Sobh gave the delegates an introduction to LTU’s history, initially as an engineering college, then adding programs—and eventually, full colleges—in business, architecture and design, arts and sciences, and most recently health sciences. He noted that all of LTU’s five Colleges have a technological focus, such as architects using 3D-printed materials and AI for design, business education in cybersecurity, and health sciences in advanced technologies for cardiovascular perfusion.

The delegation also toured LTU’s Nabil Grace Center for Innovative Materials Research and the Rockwell Automation-McNaughton-McKay Electric Co. Industry 4.0 laboratory.

They also heard presentations on LTU research from Nabil Grace, senior vice president for research and economic development, and former longtime dean of the College of Engineering; Robert Fletcher, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the university’s renewable and alternative energy program; and James Mynderse, associate professor and director of LTU’s Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering and Master of Science in mechatronics and robotics engineering programs.

Grace reviewed his decades of research on using carbon-fiber reinforced polymer in place of traditional steel to reinforce concrete in bridge construction. He said LTU has pioneered the novel material, working with crews building 14 such bridges around the country so far. The university also developed industry standards for its use. Next year, he added, construction will begin on the largest CFRP-reinforced span to date.

Fletcher spoke on research into extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbons and finding ways to store and use the remaining carbon materials as a possible area of future research. He also mentioned his work in renewable energy technology integration, his work with novel methods of lithium-ion battery cell development, and seawater desalination. Mynderse spoke about his research into using robotics for automated recycling of used batteries to re-use the scarce materials used to make them, as well as technologies to keep solar panels clean without water.

Sobh and Grace noted the Saudi delegation was impressed with the LTU demonstration, and expressed interest in collaborating with LTU on a wide variety of fronts, including innovative materials and composites, construction, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and more.

The OSP delegation expressed its appreciation to LTU’s leadership and faculty for their warm hospitality and well-organized visit, which provided valuable insights and laid the groundwork for future collaboration in areas of strategic importance to both Saudi Arabia and the global research community.