Arkansas State University (A-State) has secured a $2.1 million federal award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to bolster artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing research at its Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing (CAMSM).
The project, led by Dr. Robert (Drew) Fleming, associate professor of mechanical engineering, will expand the university's research infrastructure and strengthen workforce development efforts tailored to the needs of northeast Arkansas’ thriving steel manufacturing sector.
Co-principal investigators on the initiative include Dr. Yeonsang Hwang, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Rajesh Sharma, director of civil, mechanical and engineering technology programs; and Dr. Mohammadreza Daroonparvar, assistant professor of materials engineering.
The funding will be used to acquire advanced research tools, such as a GPU-accelerated high-performance computing cluster specialized for artificial intelligence and machine learning, a Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator to replicate steel processing conditions, and additional Thermo-Calc software for thermodynamic modeling and materials design.
Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, innovation, and discovery, praised Fleming and his team, stating, “These funds will build the physical infrastructure — the instrumentation and computational elements — to grow our research in metals and other materials.”
Fleming highlighted the broader impact of the project on the region’s economy and industry. “This funding substantially enhances our steel research and testing capabilities at CAMSM, while also advancing college-level initiatives to produce highly trained, steel-literate engineers to serve our regional industries and beyond,” he said. He also expressed gratitude for Rep. Rick Crawford’s support and emphasized the grant’s potential to foster industrial partnerships within northeast Arkansas.
The new resources will offer students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies used in advanced manufacturing while enabling faculty to pursue innovative research in materials development, steel processing, and data-driven manufacturing techniques. The investment is also expected to strengthen collaborations between A-State researchers and steel manufacturers, as well as supply chain companies, providing solutions to industry challenges.
Fleming underscored A-State’s unique position in serving the delta region, stating, “Federal investment in our research growth on materials and steel is critical. A-State is now more than ever leveraging its location. We are the only research university in the Arkansas Delta region, the same region as the new North American center of steel manufacturing.”
This initiative positions Arkansas State University to play a leading role in addressing regional and national demands for cutting-edge steel manufacturing technologies while preparing a workforce equipped to meet industry needs.