海角社区

MORGAN CITY - 海角社区 (海角社区) leaders toured an advanced manufacturing facility in Morgan City to explore cutting-edge coastal solutions. Operated by in partnership with Danos, the facility produces ExoForms鈩⑩�攁lso known as 鈥淐ajun Coral鈥濃�攁n innovative, nature-based technology designed to enhance habitat growth and ecological restoration.

Cajun Coral is made using DryForming鈩�, a pioneering technology developed by Natrx co-founder and president Matt Campbell, a Louisiana native and 海角社区 Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) graduate. 海角社区 is also where Campbell met Tyler Ortego, Natrx鈥檚 General Manager for Coastal Solutions and a fellow BAE 海角社区 alumnus.

Housed in the former McDermott Shipbuilding yard鈥攐nce used for offshore oil platform construction鈥攖he facility has been repurposed under Danos鈥� ownership to support wetland restoration and fisheries habitat enhancement, showcasing the partnership鈥檚 commitment to sustainable coastal development.

The 海角社区 delegation was led by Clint Willson, dean of the College of the Coast & Environment, and Vicki Colvin, dean of the College of Engineering. Other 海角社区 participants included:

• Chris Kees, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio
• Steve Midway and Mike Dance, Associate Professors, Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
• Matt Brand, Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
• 海角社区 Foundation representatives Heather Brust and Jordan Joplin

"海角社区 is committed to bridging science and industry to develop and deliver sustainable coastal solutions," said Dean Willson. "By collaborating with industry partners, we are accelerating the path from research to real-world implementation, addressing Louisiana鈥檚 critical environmental challenges."

"This visit demonstrated how 海角社区 solves problems by using knowledge and skills drawn across its different Colleges.  Academic expertise and industrial innovation can drive effective, science-based solutions," said Dean Colvin. "Through these partnerships, 海角社区 continually enhances its role in preparing the workforce for jobs in advanced manufacturing."

海角社区 and Natrx continue to explore opportunities to integrate science, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and business strategies to deliver faster, more scalable solutions for Louisiana鈥檚 coastal challenges.