Last Friday, the Center for Infrastructure Renewal at the Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus showcased research being done to solve the nation’s current and future infrastructure needs. U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, came to tour and learn about this work. This center focuses on "developing advanced and sustainable materials and structural systems that will reduce cost and extend infrastructure life, safety, resiliency and durability" [1]. I had the opportunity to showcase my research as the lab I work in is part of this center. Not only did Secretary Perry visit my lab but also Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp and Dean of Engineering Dr. Katherine Banks were in attendance.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Negar Kalantar, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp, Jibin Varghese, William Palmer, U.S. Secretary Rick Perry, Maryam Mansoori and Zach Kitowski

Our lab specifically looks at how we can design the buildings of the future through the use of innovative construction and design methods in conjunction with new materials and smart technology to better interact with the environment and building inhabitants. This is accomplished through the combination of architecture and robotic designs.

Secretary Perry giving his keynote address.

After touring the labs, Secretary Perry gave a keynote address discussing the current state of the United States infrastructure. His address focused on his time at Texas A&M and the impact Texas A&M continues to have on the energy industry. He praised the efforts and commitment being made by Texas A&M to solve the country’s infrastructure problems. His visit comes in the wake of President Trump's announcement of a $1.5 trillion plan to reinvest in the nation’s infrastructure. Secretary Perry believes the RELLIS campus at Texas A&M would be an ideal choice to head up these efforts.

It was an incredible experience to hear Secretary Perry speak about the importance of infrastructure research and more importantly be a part of it at Texas A&M.

[1] http://tees.tamu.edu/research/facilities/cir/