Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will expand its steel research and testing capabilities with a $2.1 million federal grant.
The funding is part of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and was secured by U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.).
The funding will support the acquisition of industry-grade testing equipment for Arkansas State’s Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing, strengthening the university’s role as a technical partner for steel producers, fabricators and manufacturers across the region.
The new equipment will enhance the center’s ability to study mechanical and microstructural properties of steel, expand fabrication and machining capabilities as well as increase computational capacity to support data analytics, artificial intelligence and materials design. The investments will allow researchers to work directly with industry partners to improve production processes, reduce delays and accelerate innovation in steel manufacturing.
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