2004 News Briefs

More space for more research
International Mezzo Systems, a tenant of LSU’s incubator, the Louisiana Business & Technology Center, is graduating and moving to a new 10,000-square-foot facility in December 2004. A recipient of a NASA Small Business Innovation Research grant, Mezzo manufactures molding tools with high-precision microgeometrics. These molding tools are then used to mass-produce polymer components that are essential in the development of high-tech devices, such as micro-heat exchanges, micro combustors, and DNA separators. 11.10.04

Wetlab director selected
The search is over for a new director of the Louisiana Emerging Technologies Center. Arthur Cooper was selected by the LSY System Research and Technology Foundation after a nationwide search. Cooper is the former director of retention and assistance for Louisiana Economic Development. The LETC is designed to incubate and accelerate the growth of life science, agricultural technology and environmental technology start-up companies and will be completed in the summer of 2005. 11.10.04

Finding sources of capital
The Louisiana Venture Capital Forum 2004 was held in October to provide Louisiana startup companies and growth-oriented enterprises with a single venue for sources of investment capital. The Forum also served as an educational opportunity for entrepreneurs who needed guidance and experience to prepare for structured and planned growth. 11.10.04

External funding increases
LSU’s external funding for the 2003-2004 fiscal year increased 10.2 percent over the previous fiscal year’s total. 11.4.04 MORE>>

University community honors Distinguished Research Masters
The LSU Office of Research & Economic Development recently announced that McCord Chair of Geology Arnold H. Bouma and English Professor Patrick McGee were the winners of the 2003 Distinguished Research Master awards. 11.4.04 MORE>>

Engineering professors receive grant
A team of LSU engineering professors received a $600,000 grant from the NSF to develop a digital method for examining and testing asphalt concrete, possibly paving the way to safer, less costly roadways in the future. 10.22.04 MORE>>

Improving patient care
Assistant Professor Sonja Wiley-Patton and her team representing both LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center are investigating how the adoption of technology can be used to improve patient care. 10.22.04 MORE>>

LSU gains No. 3 ranking from Forbes.com
Forbes.com ranks LSU near top for teaching entrepreneurship Forbes.com and The Princeton Review rank LSU's business school a remarkable No. 3 in the nation for teaching entrepreneurship. The first such ratings are based on business colleges that teach undergraduates how to start their own business and provide mentoring, venture funds and other support. Says Forbes.com, "LSU offers independent studies for any entrepreneurship student wanting to pursue a business idea or provide a feasibility study for future use. Visiting business leaders speak in classes each semester and encourage students to shadow them at their offices in order to teach them about the business world." The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill topped the list, followed by Notre Dame. For the complete list, visit this link. 10.22.04

Veterinary Research receives funding for study of disease
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine received a $9.9 million grant to fund the creation of the Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research, which will enhance the school’s research program in infectious disease as it relates to human health and comparative medicine. 10.22.04 MORE>>