Description:

The Helmerich Advanced Technology Research Center (ATRC) at OSU-Tulsa houses laboratories for faculty and graduate students who will develop the next generation of composites and materials used by many Oklahoma industries. Funds for the facility were provided from three sources: $30 million from Tulsa County's Vision 2025, $12.9 million from the state's higher education bond issue and $9 million from Walter and Peggy Helmerich of Tulsa.

Construction of the Helmerich ATRC was completed in November, 2007. PSA Dewberry was the architect of the facility, while Flintco Constructive Solutions served as the construction manager.

Community Benefit:

Research conducted in the Helmerich ATRC will result in commercialization of new technologies that will help the state's economy by creating jobs and attracting industries to the region. The research center will have an annual budget of $8 to $10 million, including federal and private research funds. However, the greatest benefit of the research should come from development of patents and the creation of new companies.

Research Initiatives:

The Helmerich ATRC focuses on four strategic research and technology development thrusts that are part of the fabric and the future of the Tulsa region - materials science and engineering, bio-based technologies, energy technologies, and information and control technologies. Across these four areas, engineering faculty, graduate students and visiting scholars will develop new materials from the application of nanotechnology to ceramics, composites, aerospace materials, polymers and metals.

Facility Features:

The 123,000-square-foot building can house up to 40 faculty and researchers and 100 graduate students. The research center contains specialized laboratories, a clean room, an imaging suite, advanced information technology equipment and faculty offices. In addition, two high-tech seminar rooms, one seating 120 people and another seating 40, are available for international research conferences and special seminars. The spacious, central atrium provides a welcoming entrance into the facility.

Location:

The Helmerich ATRC is located near the main entrance of OSU-Tulsa, just north of Interstate 244 and east of Detroit Avenue. This prominent location places the facility as the gateway to the OSU-Tulsa campus.

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