MSU’s Renovated Steel Research Facility Advances Alloy Innovation and Industry Partnerships
Contact: James Carskadon
New capabilities at Mississippi State University are accelerating innovation in steel manufacturing, bridging critical research-to-industry gaps and strengthening the region’s materials science ecosystem.
The recently renovated Edwards Building now functions as a small-scale steel mill, giving MSU researchers the tools to design and prototype next-generation steel alloys in ways that reflect real-world manufacturing environments. Led by researcher Hongjoo Rhee, Associate Director of the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) and key investigator in MSU’s steel research efforts, the facility is helping advance steel development across industrial and government sectors.
By enabling precise control of alloy composition through vacuum induction melting, followed by integrated hot and cold rolling or forging, the Edwards Building allows scientists to explore the thermomechanical processes that define steel performance. The new equipment—including a metal formability tester and a pneumatic power hammer—enhances MSU’s ability to test novel wrought alloys and better predict microstructural outcomes.
Originally built in the 1960s for nuclear engineering, the Edwards Building has been repurposed to serve the emerging needs of MSU’s steel and materials research. The upgraded layout also streamlines workflows, reducing space and movement inefficiencies and making room for collaborative spaces.
The project aligns with growing momentum in the regional steel industry. Steel Dynamics Inc., which operates a mill in nearby Lowndes County, announced a $2.5 billion expansion in 2022, including a new aluminum mill under construction. In anticipation of industry needs, MSU is positioning itself as a strategic research partner.
