05.04.18

Hoeven: North Dakota Conducting Cutting-Edge Defense Research and Development

As member of Defense Appropriations Committee, Senator Working to Support Projects

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today met with researchers and officials at North Dakota State University to review innovative research and development projects being conducted in coordination with the Department of Defense. Hoeven, who was recently selected to serve as a member of the Defense Appropriations Committee, plays a key role in providing funding for the projects and other defense priorities. Over the last five years, NDSU has received nearly $6 million in Defense Department funding to support research and development.  

“North Dakota plays an important role in our nation’s defense with missions at Minot Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Base and our Fargo Air Guard, but our state is also conducting important research and development for our military,” said Hoeven. “We appreciate the good work of these researchers in developing new tools to keep our military on the cutting-edge.”

Hoeven toured laboratories and research projects at North Dakota State University, including:

  • Bioreactive Materials Research Laboratory– NDSU is testing coatings for the Navy that could be applied to ships and aircraft carriers to prevent deterioration due to the build-up of barnacles or other ocean materials. 
  • Water Filtration Biofouling – Researchers are also working to develop technologies to prevent biofouling, or the accumulation of organisms, on water filtration membranes for the U.S. Army. 
  • Coatings for Military Infrastructure – NDSU is working to develop new industrial and military coating systems that will work on military infrastructure that is made of lightweight, flexible materials like aluminum and composites. Developing new coatings for these materials will reduce sustainment efforts and maintenance costs for the military.
  • High Performance Bio-based Materials – Researchers are working to design and develop high performance polymer materials using renewable, bio-based materials, like resins from canola to soybean oil. These new polymers will help to meet the demand for lighter weight, stronger materials to meet demands for U.S. military equipment.  

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