The Alabama A&M University College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences hosted a full day of collaboration and innovation on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, bringing together key leaders from industry and government to strengthen partnerships in nuclear research, STEM education, and workforce development.

The event, led by Dr. Mebougna L. Drabo, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and director of AAMU’s Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering (CNSE), featured representatives from Omni2Max Inc., Flibe Energy, The Portfolio Consultant Group (TPCG) LLC – STEM3CTM Division, and the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). The gathering underscored AAMU’s expanding role as a regional hub for cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the applied sciences.

Activities began with a tour of the University’s Nuclear Laboratory, where visitors observed ongoing projects and explored AAMU’s growing research infrastructure. The tour included demonstrations of advanced experimental setups and highlighted student engagement in nuclear systems research.

During the visit, Kirk Sorensen, president and chief executive officer of Flibe Energy, Inc. (FEI), and Dr. Joseph Bonometti, FEI’s chief strategy officer, commended AAMU’s leadership in nuclear science and reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to the University’s Nuclear Center of Excellence. FEI engineers conducted a demonstration of molten salt compound handling within a specialized glovebox, offering hands-on experience to three AAMU students. The exercise provided valuable insight into the role of molten salts in developing clean, next-generation nuclear energy technologies.

Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, FEI advances research and development of the Lithium-Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR), a liquid-core breeder reactor concept rooted in decades of research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

Allen Maxwell, chief executive officer of Omni2Max Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with expertise in engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and defense systems integration, expressed enthusiasm for deepening engagement with AAMU. He emphasized collaboration between academia, government, and private industry is critical to fostering innovation and expanding opportunities for students entering technical and defense-related fields.

The day also featured presentations by Dr. Edwan O’Neal with the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center (USASMDC TC) STEM Program and Gregory Keith Fernander of TPCG LLC/STEM3CTM. Both speakers highlighted the importance of mentorship, experiential learning, and sustained investment in programs that create direct pathways for students to pursue advanced careers in defense, technology, and research.

The engagement concluded with a strategic meeting between Omni2Max representatives and Dr. Majed El-Dweik, AAMU’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. Discussions focused on identifying new areas for joint research and future project development that align with the University’s research priorities and workforce initiatives.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Drabo expressed his gratitude and optimism. “I am extremely excited about the partnership we are building and optimistic about what lies ahead,” he said.  “Together, I am confident we can achieve remarkable things.”

For more information, contact Drabo at mebougna.drabo@aamu.edu or 256-372-4136.

(Top row, from left): Dr. Joseph Bonometti; FEI scientist Skylar Allen; Gregory Fernander; mechanical engineering student Kirsten Williams; Omni2Max Business Development Manager Thomas Delarge; Dr. Mebougna Drabo; physics graduate student Alex Egarievwe; mechanical engineering graduate student Kermit Booker; Allen Maxwell; Omni2Max Assistant Director of Operations Jack Jackson; mechanical engineering student Daylon Rooks; and Kirk Sorensen.