Tag: LSU

A New Vision for Louisiana Higher Education Begins at LSU

Louisiana State University is moving forward with a bold vision aimed at strengthening both opportunity and academic achievement across the state in Louisiana higher education. During a recent meeting of the LSU Board of Supervisors, LSU President Wade Rousse outlined a strategy designed to elevate how the LSU system serves students and communities throughout Louisiana, as per this news release from the school. The plan focuses on expanding research, improving facilities, and refining admission standards so the university system can continue progressing toward its goal of becoming one of the nation’s top research institutions.

Rousse explained that LSU’s future success depends on balancing academic excellence with meaningful access to higher education. According to his remarks, achieving this balance requires clear measures of success, responsible stewardship of resources, and an education system that prepares students for real-world opportunities. By strengthening these areas, the LSU system hopes not only to improve its national reputation but also to positively impact Louisiana’s workforce, economy, and long-term prosperity.

A key component of the plan involves revisiting admission standards at the flagship campus in Baton Rouge. The Board of Supervisors approved a recommendation from LSU Chancellor James Dalton to reinstate mandatory standardized test scores for admission. Leaders believe this step will align LSU with peer institutions and help the university recruit students who are prepared for the academic rigor of a major research institution.

While the decision reflects a renewed emphasis on academic benchmarks, university leaders also emphasized that access remains central to the LSU system’s mission. President Rousse described a statewide network of campuses that collectively serve students with a wide range of goals. Some students may pursue two-year degrees or professional certifications, while others may begin at regional campuses before transferring to the flagship university. The broader LSU system aims to ensure that every Louisiana student can find a pathway that matches their ambitions.

Another notable development approved during the meeting involves new accelerated bachelor’s degree programs atLSU Alexandria. These programs allow students to complete a baccalaureate degree after earning 90 credit hours rather than the traditional 120-hour requirement. By shortening the timeline to graduation, LSU hopes to help students enter the workforce more quickly while also reducing the cost of earning a degree.

Accelerated degree programs like these reflect a growing trend across Louisiana higher education. Universities increasingly recognize that many students seek flexible and efficient academic pathways that connect directly to career opportunities. The new programs at LSU Alexandria are designed with that goal in mind, providing students with a faster route to completing their undergraduate education while maintaining academic quality.

The Board of Supervisors meeting also included leadership transitions that will help guide the LSU system through these changes. Lee Mallett was sworn in as the board’s new chair, and Supervisor John Carmouche of Napoleonville was elected vice chair. Their leadership will play an important role as LSU continues implementing policies that shape the future of higher education in Louisiana.

Higher education institutions nationwide face similar challenges: balancing accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence. LSU’s strategy attempts to address all three priorities simultaneously. If successful, the initiatives could strengthen Louisiana’s educational pipeline and create new opportunities for students seeking both traditional and innovative routes to college success.

Ultimately, the vision presented by President Rousse reflects a long-term effort to position LSU as both a premier research university and a statewide engine for opportunity. Through collaboration among campuses, strategic academic programs, and renewed admissions standards, the LSU system hopes to expand opportunity while continuing to raise its academic profile.

For more education-related information, click here.

Compostable Carnival: Inside LSU’s 2026 Biodegradable Bead Project

As the 2026 Mardi Gras season unfolded, researchers and students at Louisiana State University sent something entirely different into the air during parade season: biodegradable bead necklaces designed not just to dazzle crowds, but to grow in backyard compost piles, according to this article from The Advocate. Led by Associate Professor Naohiro Kato, the project marked the latest chapter in a yearslong effort to rethink one of Carnival’s most iconic — and controversial — traditions.

Approximately 1,500 3D-printed necklaces were produced for distribution at three major parades: the Krewe of Freret and the Krewe of Tucks in New Orleans, along with the Krewe of Artemis in Baton Rouge. Unlike conventional plastic beads, these necklaces were intentionally designed to break down in soil. Each spidery, geodesic orb — connected by delicate chains and colored in traditional purple, green, and gold — carried a distinct LSU flair with the phrase “Geaux Tigers!” etched into the design.

What made the beads especially novel, however, was what lay inside. Each biodegradable bead orb contained an okra seed. When composted properly, the biodegradable material was intended to decompose harmlessly, allowing the seed to sprout and eventually produce okra — a staple ingredient in Louisiana gumbo. The concept blended environmental science with cultural symbolism, transforming what was typically parade litter into a potential garden harvest.

Kato’s interest in sustainable bead production had begun years earlier inside his laboratory, where he noticed an oily residue forming in a beaker of algae. That observation sparked the idea that algae byproducts might serve as a base for moldable, biodegradable plastic. By 2022, he and his students had successfully produced prototype bio-beads using algae-based plastic blended with commercially available biodegradable materials similar to those used in compostable utensils. While the early versions demonstrated promise as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based imports, they proved costly and visually underwhelming.

The biodegradable bead  project evolved significantly with input from graduate and undergraduate researchers. Biology graduate student Alexis Strain proposed using 3D printing technology to create lighter, more intricate bead structures capable of housing seeds. Meanwhile, undergraduate student Tyler Besse helped maintain and operate the laboratory’s 23 3D printers, which ran steadily to produce the necklaces. During fabrication, okra seeds were carefully inserted midway through the printing process, embedding them securely inside each orb.

For Kato, the initiative remained experimental. The 2026 parade season served as a real-world test to determine whether the seed-bearing beads would truly sprout after composting. Rather than pursuing mass production or commercial manufacturing, the professor emphasized accessibility. His long-term vision centered on making the 3D-printing plans publicly available so that schools, libraries, and community groups could produce their own biodegradable throws. In doing so, the project shifted from a single university experiment to a potentially statewide educational movement.

Mardi Gras beads have long symbolized celebration, but they have also contributed to mounting environmental concerns. Millions of traditional plastic necklaces have been imported and discarded each year, often ending up in storm drains, waterways, and landfills. LSU’s biodegradable beads attempted to address that issue at its source by reimagining what a parade throw could be. Instead of single-use plastic, the 2026 season featured necklaces designed with decomposition — and regeneration — in mind.

As Carnival concluded, the bio-bead experiment stood at the intersection of tradition, technology, and sustainability. Whether paradegoers ultimately composted their beads in significant numbers remained to be seen. But even modest participation suggested that the 2026 Mardi Gras season yielded more than memories — it produced okra plants rooted in Louisiana soil. In the process, the initiative sparked broader conversations about how beloved cultural traditions could evolve responsibly, blending celebration with environmental stewardship and inspiring future innovations across the state.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

How LSU’s New Certificate Addresses the Future of Digital Infrastructure

Louisiana State University recently announced the launch of a new Digital Twin Design and Production Certificate, positioning the institution at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing technologies shaping modern industry and digital infrastructure. Developed through a collaboration between academic leaders and private-sector experts, the program was designed to prepare professionals for the expanding use of digital twins across construction, manufacturing, energy, and other sectors critical to Louisiana’s economy. More information about the university’s engineering and digital infrastructure initiatives can be found through the LSU College of Engineering, while details about online delivery are available via this news release from LSU.

Digital twins are virtual, continuously updated models that mirror physical assets, systems, or processes in real time. These tools allow organizations to simulate conditions, predict outcomes, identify inefficiencies, and address safety concerns before costly failures occur. From monitoring bridge integrity to optimizing factory operations or improving supply chain performance, digital twins are increasingly central to how complex systems are managed. Industry analysts frequently cite their ability to reduce downtime and operational costs while improving decision-making, particularly in infrastructure-heavy regions like Louisiana.

Registration for the certificate program is now open, and LSU officials noted that it is the first digital twin certificate in the nation co-developed by both academic and industry experts. The program consists of seven fully online courses that combine case studies, guided tutorials, and hands-on learning activities. Participants learn how digital twins are designed, what technologies support them, and how they are deployed to track and improve real-world systems. Coursework also includes practice using widely adopted software platforms and instruction on calculating deployment costs and return on investment. Additional details about certificate offerings are available through LSU Continuing Education.

Beyond technical development, the certificate places a strong emphasis on understanding the broader implications of digital twin technology. Participants explore topics such as data ethics, intellectual property considerations, cybersecurity concerns, and legal risks associated with modeling real-world systems. Program leaders emphasized that these non-technical dimensions are essential for professionals who will be responsible not only for building digital twins but also for managing them responsibly within organizations. This interdisciplinary approach aligns with broader conversations in higher education about responsible innovation and workforce readiness, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

The digital infrastructure certificate was created through a partnership between the LSU College of Engineering, LSU Online, the Baton Rouge–based consultancy DigiTwin Global, and the global engineering software firm Bentley Systems. According to LSU Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin, understanding when digital twins are worth the investment—and how to use them effectively—is becoming a baseline skill for future engineers and business leaders. She noted that demand for these competencies is growing rapidly in construction, manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, and healthcare, all of which play major roles in Louisiana’s economy.

Development of the program was led by Marwa Hassan, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering, and Kappie Mumphrey, vice president of LSU Online. The development team included LSU engineers, computer scientists, digital designers, and online learning specialists, as well as industry software professionals. Contributors also included faculty from the E.J. Ourso College of Business and leadership from Forte and Tablada, a Baton Rouge engineering firm whose executives co-founded DigiTwin Global. Additional context on LSU’s business programs is available through the Flores MBA Program.

Program developers emphasized practicality as a defining feature of the certificate. Several courses include direct interaction with professional-grade digital twin software, including platforms developed by Bentley Systems. Industry leaders involved in the program noted that Louisiana’s extensive industrial and coastal infrastructure makes the state an ideal environment for applying digital twin technology at scale. Looking ahead, LSU is exploring the creation of a full bachelor’s degree in digital twin technology, while DigiTwin Global is planning a regional symposium on the topic in February—signaling continued momentum for this emerging field.

For more education-related information, click here.

LSU Partnership Positions UNO for a Bold Campus Rebirth

The UNO Lakefront campus, long recognized as a cornerstone of higher education and community engagement in the region, entered a defining moment as it prepared to transition into the LSU System, as per this news release from Louisiana State University. Once home to nearly 17,000 students prior to Hurricane Katrina, the campus’s enrollment had declined to roughly 5,000 students in recent years, prompting an urgent need for fresh investment and renewed strategic direction. Temporary operational stability had been achieved thanks to the Louisiana State Legislature’s allocation of $20 million to the University of Louisiana System during the 2024 legislative session and the efforts of UNO leaders. Still, the spirit of alumni and the strength of the Lakefront community remained steadfast, anchoring hopes for revitalization.

A major milestone will occur on July 1, 2026, when operational oversight of the Lakefront campus officially shifts from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. This change signaled far more than a procedural governance update. It represented an opportunity to reimagine the university’s academic mission, rebuild enrollment, and fully activate the value of its remarkable lakefront location. To guide this process, a new transition team composed of alumni, industry specialists, and administrators from both institutions was formed. The group planned to convene on November 5 for a half-day planning session focused on academic priorities, facility improvements, athletics, and community partnerships.

The transition team’s agenda drew inspiration from successful models at LSU Alexandria, LSU Eunice, and LSU Shreveport—campuses that had strengthened enrollment and academic programming by sharing resources across the LSU System and aligning academic offerings with regional workforce needs. Chancellors from these institutions were scheduled to share insights during the planning session, emphasizing strategies that had generated measurable success.

A central focus of the upcoming transition involved reshaping the academic profile of the Lakefront campus to align with Louisiana’s contemporary economic landscape. Proposed enhancements included expanded healthcare education in collaboration with LSU Health, broader engineering pathways that reflect industry demand, and strengthened national-defense and research initiatives leveraging the campus’s unique location. The plan also included growing arts administration programs and elevating hospitality, tourism, and culinary offerings—logical expansions in a city globally renowned for its cultural and gastronomic identity. With New Orleans serving as one of the world’s leading destinations for food, hospitality, and culture, the campus stood well-positioned to become a premier educational hub for these industries.

Athletics also remained a significant part of the UNO Lakefront identity. The transition group included well-known figures such as former head basketball coach Tim Floyd and former athletic director Ron Maestri, both of whom would help ensure that Privateer traditions remained central even as new strategies were introduced. With increased enrollment, intensifying alumni engagement, and collaboration with LSU Athletics, future LSU New Orleans sports programs—such as basketball in the Arena and baseball at Maestri Field—would be poised for competitive and sustainable growth.

Collaboration extended beyond campus boundaries. Leaders from sectors such as tourism, healthcare, technology, real estate, maritime industries, national defense, and finance were expected to provide guidance throughout the transition. Their support aimed to strengthen economic mobility, expand career opportunities, and position the Lakefront campus as an engine for regional growth.

Ultimately, the shift into the LSU System represented more than a structural realignment. It symbolized the renewal of the original vision for the LSU New Orleans Lakefront campus: a thriving, world-class institution where students could innovate, discover, and prepare for meaningful futures. As the transition unfolded, one message echoed clearly—New Orleans deserved a flagship institution fully aligned with its culture, its industries, and its aspirations.

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Culinary Equips Medical Students with Tools to Heal Through Food

Nicholls State University recently welcomed a group of future physicians to its campus for a unique blend of culinary and clinical education. In partnership with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, the Nicholls Culinary program hosted the seventh annual Culinary Medicine Program at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. Sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Health System, this two-week immersive program gave eight third-year LSU medical students the chance to merge hands-on culinary instruction with evidence-based nutrition science, as per this news release from Nicholls.

Under the expert guidance of Chef Jana Billiot, director and instructor at CJFCI, and Dr. Allison Gaubert, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of dietetics, the students explored how food and health intersect in real, practical ways. As the students prepared to transition into clinical settings for the first time, the timing of this program couldn’t have been more impactful. It equipped them with tools not only to cook healthfully but to educate patients on how food can be used as a preventive and therapeutic tool.

Chef Billiot reflected on the rewarding nature of the course, observing how students gained both kitchen confidence and a deeper understanding of the connections between recipe reading, cooking techniques, and overall health. Dr. Gaubert emphasized the importance of filling a persistent gap in medical training, noting that many physicians feel underprepared to discuss nutrition with patients. This course, she explained, gives them a strong starting point while also modeling interprofessional collaboration within healthcare teams.

Each morning began with a lecture on a specific health topic, ranging from the prevention and management of disease through food to dietary strategies for specific conditions. Topics included macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as a comparison of popular eating patterns like the DASH diet, theMediterranean diet, and more controversial fad diets. Medical students also dove into nutritional approaches tailored for cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal function, energy regulation, pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood.

Following each lecture, students moved to the kitchen to apply what they had learned. Guided by Billiot and Gaubert, they created dishes that reflected the nutritional principles of the day. Among the recipes featured were fish en papillote, strawberry balsamic sorbet, oven-fried shrimp, falafels, couscous bowls, bouillabaisse, spicy zucchini lasagna, and dark chocolate coconut lactation cookies. Once the meals were prepared, everyone gathered to eat, analyze flavor profiles, and evaluate the health merits of each dish.

Beyond the kitchen, the program also featured guest lectures and field experiences. Dr. John Doucet, Dean of theCollege of Sciences and Technology, presented on nutritional genomics—an emerging field that examines how genes and nutrition interact. Students also learned from Barbara Blake, Head of Allied Health Sciences and a licensed speech-language pathologist, about modified diets for patients with dysphagia. Registered dietitian April Sins led a grocery store tour at Rouses, and Leah Porche, another registered dietitian, delivered a session on weight-neutral health approaches, encouraging compassionate, non-stigmatizing dialogue with patients.

A highlight of the program was the evening reception where students recreated their favorite recipes for guests from Thibodaux Regional Health System. The evening served as both a culinary showcase and a demonstration of their growing ability to translate food knowledge into patient care. On the final day, students shared family recipes, emphasizing how deeply food traditions shape identity and values. They explained the cultural significance behind each dish, reinforcing the idea that effective dietary guidance must also consider personal and cultural meaning.

This annual Culinary Medicine Program continues to bridge the gap between the kitchen and the clinic. As these medical students move forward in their careers, the lessons learned at Nicholls will help them support their future patients with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and the power of food as medicine.

For more education-related information, click here.

LSU Surpasses Half-Billion Mark in Annual Research Funding

Louisiana State University (LSU) has achieved a remarkable milestone in its research funding journey. For the fourth consecutive year, LSU has seen a dramatic rise in research activity, culminating in a record-setting $543 million in combined research expenditures for the 2023-2024 academic year. As per this news release from the University, this total represents contributions from LSU’s campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport, and reflects a significant leap from the previous year’s $488 million. This 11.5% increase not only surpasses the university’s annual goal but also marks a new era of achievement in LSU’s ambition to rank among the nation’s top 50 research institutions.

According to LSU President William F. Tate IV, this research funding accomplishment is a direct result of collaboration across the entire university system. He emphasized that the shared dedication of faculty and research staff has led to projects that make tangible improvements in areas such as agriculture, cancer treatment, coastal preservation, national defense, and energy. Tate noted that LSU researchers are driven by a unified mission to create meaningful change for Louisiana citizens, underlining that their efforts are “winning for the people of Louisiana.”

LSU’s rapid advancement is guided by its Scholarship First Agenda, launched in 2022. The initiative outlines a strategic plan for the university to focus its research growth on five primary areas: agriculture, biomedicine, coast, defense, and energy. The recent financial surge in research spending reflects the successful implementation of this agenda and aligns with LSU’s long-term vision.

Vice President of Research and Economic Development Robert Twilley reiterated the university’s commitment to addressing some of Louisiana’s most pressing challenges. He pointed out that LSU’s research is not only improving local communities but also contributing solutions to global problems through partnerships with national labs and peer institutions which is why research funding is so important.

The university’s progress is powered in large part by federal investments in large-scale research initiatives. One such project, supported by the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, enabled the LSU AgCenter to create four model farms across Louisiana. These farms, covering 540 acres, allow researchers to test best practices in soil and water management while working in collaboration with local farmers. By promoting more efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides, this $3.1 million effort helps farmers boost profits while also safeguarding the Mississippi River watershed.

At LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Jeffrey Carter led a team that secured $4.6 million in funding from the Department of Defense to enhance treatment protocols for burn and blast injuries. Their work focuses on improving emergency wound care in military and civilian crises by training first responders in field techniques that can prevent severe complications and reduce the need for amputations.

Another standout project is being conducted by Professor Janna Oetting, whose D4 Child Language Lab received $2.8 million from the National Institutes of Health. Her team is working with diverse Louisiana schools to improve the diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a condition more common than autism and strongly linked to future academic difficulties. By developing tools that account for regional dialects, the project aims to ensure all children, regardless of their linguistic background, receive the support they need.

In the field of nutrition science, LSU Boyd Professor Eric Ravussin secured $7.3 million to lead a groundbreaking study at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. His team is exploring personalized nutrition plans through a new diet prediction algorithm. The study compares three dietary approaches and integrates genetic, physiological, and environmental data to better tailor health recommendations to individuals.

As LSU continues to expand its research portfolio, the economic ripple effect is already being felt. The university’s research activity is estimated to contribute a staggering $1.5 billion to Louisiana’s economy. Through targeted investment, strategic partnerships, and a clear research agenda, LSU is charting a course toward national prominence and deep, lasting impact.

For more education-related information, click here.