Feature Story
LSU Researcher Discovers Great Things

LSU has received a $20 million Mid-scale Research Infrastructure (MRI) award from the National Science Foundation to build LaNeXT, a laser-driven X-ray facility that will allow researchers to watch some of nature's fastest processes as they happen.

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Louisiana State University has received $21.1 million from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fiscal year 2026 to continue preparing first responders and public-safety leaders for terrorism, disasters and other complex threats.

Out of more than 300 teams worldwide, LSU's team became one of eight finalists in a four-year, $11 million global competition to end destructive wildfires. Today, the team received a $100,000 Special Recognition award at the XPRIZE Wildfire awards ceremony at the New York City Fire Museum.

There are few things “more South Louisiana” than a snowball on a hot September afternoon. Add in dozens of LSU scholarship recipients, Mike the Tiger, and a shared sense of gratitude … and you have the heart of the LSU Foundation’s Snowball Effect.

LSU celebrated the opening of the renovated John G. Turner & Hango G. Fischer Recital Hall on Sept. 10, achieving the vision for bringing enhanced acoustics, a new recording studio, updated seating and modernized technology to one of the college's most active spaces. Each year, nearly 180 student recitals take place in the hall, alongside faculty performances, recruitment events and programs that connect campus with the broader community.

The LSU Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Sept. 4 to name Dr. Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Dr. James Garand, and Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk as Boyd Professors. The Boyd Professorship, established by the LSU Board of Supervisors in 1953, is the most distinguished and highest professorial rank awarded by LSU. The honor recognizes faculty members who bring honor and prestige to the university through national and, as appropriate, international recognition for outstanding achievements.