Louisiana university seeks NASA partnership
Leaders from UL Lafayette visited Houston to discuss workforce training and research ties as the state expands its aerospace sector.
By John Laurent ·
University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru traveled to Houston last week with a university delegation to meet at the Johnson Space Center. The visit aimed to establish a formal relationship with NASA, focusing on aerospace research and workforce development in a region increasingly defined by space industry growth.
The delegation included College of Engineering Dean Dr. Ahmed Khattab. They met with Edgar Castro, who serves as the chief of the Propulsion and Power Division at NASA. The two sides discussed specific mechanisms for collaboration, including creating student internship pathways and increasing faculty engagement in joint research projects. They also examined how to develop curriculum that directly addresses current industry demands.
UL Lafayette has a long history of producing engineers for the space sector. Graduates such as Jay Honeycutt, who directed the John F. Kennedy Space Center, and Stephen Damico, who recently discussed his work on the Artemis II launch, exemplify this track record. The university has recently moved to formalize its role in this field, announcing new academic offerings last month. These additions include an aerospace engineering concentration for mechanical engineering majors and an aerospace and autonomous systems minor in the College of Engineering.
The timing of these academic expansions aligns with major infrastructure changes in the state. SpaceX is establishing a presence in Vermilion Parish, which will become the site of the world’s largest spaceport project. Kolluru stated that the university has a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the future of aerospace through its students, faculty, and research. He described the conversations in Houston as an important step toward creating new opportunities for students while supporting the workforce and innovation needs of NASA and the wider aerospace industry.
The university already maintains active satellite programs. In 2007, students in the CAPE program launched the first student-built satellite from the institution. They are currently developing a fourth miniature satellite for launch. This work is supported by research in autonomous systems, satellite technologies, and aerospace electronics conducted at the Nick Pugh Aerospace Electronics Research Laboratory. Khattab noted that the university is intentionally aligning academic offerings with the changing needs of the engineering workforce. The new aerospace engineering program is scheduled to begin in fall 2027.
Source: The Advocate
