LU and Framatome collaborate to prepare the future workforce and stimulate innovation

Liberty University is proud to announce the addition of Gary Mignogna, president and CEO of Framatome Inc., to the advisory board for the Center for Energy Research and Education (CERE) in Central Virginia.

Framatome is a major international player in the nuclear energy market, designing and supplying nuclear steam supply system and nuclear equipment, services, and fuel. Its North American headquarters was recently relocated to Lynchburg.

LU and Framatome are working together to create jobs, economic activity, and innovation in the energy sector at CERE located in Bedford County. Framatome has generously donated equipment to be used in four separate labs and will mentor Liberty University students as they use the new labs for research and testing of products and services.

“CERE is poised to become a nexus for commercial business and academic programs that delivers the products and solutions of the future,” Mignogna said. “Fueled by the expertise of our experienced professionals and LU’s academic staff, and the creativity and fresh perspective of LU’s students, I anticipate that CERE will become a center for innovation that will be recognized nationally.  I am pleased to join the advisory board to help fuel the future pipeline of engineering talent and optimize our relationship with CERE.”

The four new labs are:

• a chemical/material lab
• an electromagnetic compatibility or EMC lab
• a calibration lab
• a non-destructive testing lab

“We at Liberty are very excited about Framatome partnering with us as we develop this center for energy research and education,” said Jonathan Whitt, vice president of outreach and business engagement at Liberty. “Framatome is a valued partner and major employer in our community. Their collaboration with us is vital to our future success.”

A $300,000 GO Virginia (Growth and Opportunity for Virginia) grant also helped make the new labs possible. Advanced manufacturing companies in the energy and technology sectors will be able to use the labs for testing, research, and workforce development. CERE will attract and retain a strong scientific and engineering workforce in the community.