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Aggie Innovation

Stephanie Cannon '06 December 3, 2014 9:28 AM

Innovation has long been a Texas A&M strength–institutionally and on an individual basis—and now more than ever before.

That bright prospect is underscored by the vast array of experiments and studies being conducted as part of the broad-based research program being conducted by the university and its associated agencies, including Texas AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.  Combined, their investments in research total more than $820 million annually, ranking among the leaders nationally and tops in Texas.

Individually, scores of Texas A&M graduates could be cited for their trailblazing work in a variety of fields and under various circumstances, underscoring their creative and critical-thinking abilities and commitment to lifelong learning—and innovative application of what they’ve learned through real-world experience.

The late George Mitchell, a 1940 graduate, is a prime example. He was, for decades, a legend in oil and gas exploration and, in the twilight of his career, introduced transformational technology in the recovery of shale gas and perfected fracking techniques that hold high promise for making the United States energy self-sufficient. On still another front, he was a visionary leader in urban development, attested by his building from scratch The Woodlands, the model suburb community north of Houston.

Then there’s Greg Hall, a 1982 Texas A&M graduate, who developed and implemented the faster and more efficient drilling operation to rescue 32 Chilean coal miners in the accident that attracted worldwide attention in 2010. Government officials had estimated it would take six months to rescue the miners. Using Hall’s new drilling techniques and operating under his direction, the rescue effort was accomplished in 69 days.

Numerous other examples of highly innovative and creative work by former students abound, with many of them recorded in accounts regarding recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award that are posted at http://www.aggienetwork.com/tribute.

Innovation is a way of life for Aggies. Read the full story on TAMU Times



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