GLASSBORO, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined Rowan University and defense leaders in announcing a $14.5 million U.S. Department of Defense and Army Research Lab project that will help modernize the Army and improve the safety of soldiers in the field and our nation as a whole.

Under a U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (ARL) cooperative agreement, a team led by Rowan will work with collaborators on developing innovative materials through using “cold-spray” advanced manufacturing technologies.

"Rowan’s lab is the only one with this specialized technology within a four-hour drive of our region, and I’m very impressed that this high-tech research is being conducted in our community," said Congressman Norcross, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. "This important work will improve our national defense and support our soldiers in the field. I’m glad Rowan is receiving this research grant and that this invaluable, innovative work is being done right here in South Jersey."

"This award marks the largest-ever research award made to Rowan University," said Rowan University President Dr. Ali Houshmand. "Indeed, when we began our research mission a few short years ago, this is what we envisioned. The work being done reflects our commitment to practical research that impacts our neighbors, while serving the common good, and demonstrates the capabilities of our faculty and University community."

The team’s work will focus on polymers, starting with polystyrene (think of the ubiquitous white foam cups, egg cartons and packing peanuts) to develop basic insights and then move on to more advanced composite materials and systems as designated by the Army.

The project, titled “Advancing Structural Materials for Army Modernization Priorities via Direct-Write Approaches,” teams Rowan University with PPG, a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials based in Pittsburgh; Drexel University; Northeastern University; and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov