Engineer Research and Development Center News

ERDC scientists transform scientific measurement with “illuminating” discovery

Justin Campfield, public affairs specialist — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:01:00 GMT

Fluorescence is a fundamental component of scientific analysis, serving as a core measurement tool in applications ranging from environmental monitoring and field analytics to materials testing and biological and chemical detection. The Army uses fluorescence in countless ways, including detecting toxic chemicals, identifying pathogens and even tracking how materials like cement degrade in the field, just to name a few. Combining subject-matter expertise from ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory in Vicksburg, Miss., and Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., the team developed a novel approach – and potentially transformed innumerable scientific experiments – by building photoprotection directly into a new molecular design in a way that dramatically increases the durability of fluorescence.

Sullivan honored at ERDC retirement ceremony

Annette Kirklin, public affairs specialist — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:44:22 GMT

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently celebrated the distinguished career of Patricia M. Sullivan, Senior Executive Service (SES), who retired after more than 41 years of dedicated service.

ERDC Advances Joint Port Damage Recovery Capabilities Through Tri-Service Training

Kaley Webb, public affairs specialist — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:20:44 GMT

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is strengthening expeditionary logistics capabilities through the development and deployment of innovative Port Damage Recovery (PDR) kits, designed to rapidly restore damaged maritime infrastructure in contested environments.

ERDC Hydrogen Energy Node Installed at Fort Bliss Innovations Lab

Sarah Clark, public affairs specialist — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:19:09 GMT

The 1st Armored Division (1 AD) Innovations Lab, located on Fort Bliss, Texas, is now at the forefront of Army energy modernization following the installation and operational validation of a cutting-edge hydrogen nanogrid, also known as an energy node, developed with industry collaboration at the U.S. Army Engineer Research Development Center (ERDC)’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL).

From concept to creation: ERDC Fabrication Shops power innovation

Mary Margaret Edney, Public Affairs Chief — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:45:48 GMT

ERDC’s Fabrication Shops serve as a unique capability within USACE, providing the Corps with the ability to quickly design, build or repair specialized mechanisms needed to accomplish the mission. Comprised of the Machine Shop, Model Shop and Welding Shop, the team of nearly 30 craftsmen works closely with engineers and project teams to fabricate everything from hydraulic models to field repairs.

Dr. Sally Shoop awarded American Society of Civil Engineers Can-Am Amity Award

Justin Campfield, public affairs specialist — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:07:10 GMT

Dr. Sally Shoop, research engineer with ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, has been awarded the 2026 Can-Am Civil Engineering Amity Award by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Advanced Scour Collaboration Ensures Critical Infrastructure Stability

Kaley Webb, public affairs specialist — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:15:57 GMT

Collaboration between the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New Orleans District is a critical step in ensuring the stability of vital infrastructure. ERDC is assisting the district in inspecting the dewatered bays for voids beneath the Old River Low Sill Structure, located about 25 miles south of Vidalia, Louisiana, as part of the Old River Control Complex.

Testing continues on lock improvements along upper Ohio River

Carol C. Coleman, public affairs specialist — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:15:26 GMT

As navigation improvements continue along the upper Ohio River, a team of researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are developing physical models to test new designs of the lock systems to ensure they function as intended.

Artificial Intelligence R&D: A Force Multiplier for our military and nation

Pentagon News — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:07:37 GMT

From ensuring the resilience of America’s critical infrastructure to giving Warfighters a decisive edge on the battlefield, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence across the full spectrum of its civil and military missions.

Camera, sensors don’t blink as nor’easter unleashes on the Outer Banks

Pentagon News — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:41:56 GMT

Recently, a strong nor’easter took aim at the Outer Banks in North Carolina and sitting right in the middle of its path was ERDC's Field Research Facility (FRF) known for its coastal engineering expertise and world-class research capabilities.

CRREL researchers discover new species frozen in Alaskan permafrost

Justin Campfield, public affairs specialist — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:45:35 GMT

Research microbiologists at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) recently discovered 26 new species of microorganisms.

ITL finds success in DARPA partnership

Megan Holland Saxton — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:05:49 GMT

Partnerships are a cornerstone of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s mission to deliver cutting-edge science and engineering solutions for the nation. One such partnership between ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is delivering the high-performance computing power and expertise to accelerate the next generation of aerospace technology.

ERDC researchers conduct water assessment at USAG Bavaria-Garmisch in Germany

Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:15:54 GMT

Ensuring safe, reliable drinking water is critical to protecting Soldier health and maintaining mission readiness at U.S. military facilities worldwide. To support that objective, three researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL) recently traveled to a U.S. military base in Germany to evaluate water quality, resilience and treatment needs.

ERDC and UTEP sign Educational Partnership Agreement

Sarah Clark, public affairs specialist — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:32:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have entered into a new Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) designed to strengthen education, research and workforce development across critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

ERDC dedicates new supercomputer in honor of Medal of Honor recipient

Claiborne Cooksey — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:31:46 GMT

VICKSBURG, Miss.— The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is home to some of the world’s most powerful high-performance computing systems, which recently have been named to honor Mississippi-native Medal of Honor recipients. Three of the previous supercomputing system namesakes include Lance Cpl. Roy Wheat, Capt. Ed Freeman and Col. Kyle Carpenter. The newest trail-blazing system is named “Barfoot” in recognition of the late Col. Van T. Barfoot, who was an American hero on and off of the battlefield.

ERDC’s SMART Scholarship Program provides opportunities for aspiring STEM professionals

Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:35:56 GMT

The Department of War (DoW) SMART Scholarship Program is designed to help science, technology, engineering and mathematics students jumpstart their careers—building the next generation of STEM experts in civilian service. From the SMART Scholarship Program have emerged some of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) most accomplished leaders.

New software helps military planners predict mud season

Justin Campfield, public affairs specialist — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:21:00 GMT

A new software tool called the “Mud Threat Score” now provides military planners with real-time frozen ground and thaw predictions at 30-meter resolution, anytime, anywhere in the world. Developed by ERDC laboratories and their Hanover, New Hampshire-based industry partner Creare, the new tool combines existing weather forecasting data residing within the geospatial decision support tool GeoWATCH with newly developed frozen and thawing soil algorithm to highlight locations that are experiencing or will experience muddy conditions due to the spring thaw.

ERDC explores Nuclear Energy Systems to power future mission

Sarah Clark, public affairs specialist — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:10:31 GMT

A strong, resilient energy supply is critical for military installations, and researchers at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) are evaluating domestically produced nuclear energy systems to provide critical research in support of the Army’s Janus Program.

ERDC Alumni Association donates “comfort critters” to Vicksburg first responders

Justus Reed, Public Affairs Specialist — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:34:12 GMT

Retirees from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) kicked off the holiday season by serving the community’s law enforcement and emergency agencies. As part of their annual Christmas party on Dec. 19, the ERDC Alumni Association hosted a luncheon, serving gumbo and presenting stuffed animals – known as “comfort critters”— to local agencies.

ERDC employees donate more than 7,700 pounds of food to local pantries

Mary Margaret Edney, Public Affairs Chief — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:27:53 GMT

Through their cutting-edge science, employees at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) work each day to deliver innovations that strengthen national security, support the military and improve the nation’s infrastructure and resilience. In recent weeks, that commitment has extended beyond the laboratory as ERDC personnel have taken on an added mission — giving back to the Vicksburg community.