Feature Story
LSU Researcher Discovers Great Things

Two research partnership agreements signed by LSU and national laboratory leaders in Washington, D.C., are positioned to ensure America's worldwide competitiveness and energy dominance. The agreements with Argonne National Laboratory (based in Lemont, Ill.) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (based in Oak Ridge, Tenn.) enable joint efforts on a state and national level to advance research, technology development and new solutions for energy, chemicals and critical materials manufacturing.

Functional neurosurgeon Jamie Toms, MD, assistant professor of neurosurgery, teaches LSUHS residents and fellows how procedures like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help rewire the brain and improve function after an ischemic stroke.

LSU President Wade Rousse has named Dr. Brandi Bush Roberts to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the LSU System, effective immediately. Roberts most recently served as associate vice president and chief of staff for finance and administration at Louisiana State University.

LSU has named Emmett Brown its permanent Vice President for Enrollment Management, a role he has held on to an interim basis since July.

LSU has launched a Digital Twin Design and Production Certificate to train business and technical leaders in one of the fastest-growing technologies transforming construction, manufacturing, and energy - industries essential to Louisiana's economy.

Frank W. "Billy" Harrison III, co-founder and co-owner of Houston Energy, LP, will be honored as the 2026 Alumnus of the Year. Jaime Glas Odom, founder and CEO of Queen of Sparkles, is the 2026 Young Alumna of the Year.