Significant Award Given to TAMU-CC from PHMSA

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University (TAMU-CC) has secured a significant federal award of $722,000 from the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). This marks the first time TAMU-CC has been recognized by this highly competitive program. 

This success stems from the College’s midstream initiative, which led to the creation of the Coastal Bend Midstream Program (CBMP), directed by Thomas Kalb. To secure this award, the CBMP supported Dr. Jangwoon Park, associate professor of Industrial Engineering, in developing the winning proposal. This grant will fund Dr. Park’s midstream-focused research project titled “Human-Centered HMI Protocol Development for Pipeline Control Rooms Using a Functional Digital Twin Technology.”  

Through this project, TAMU-CC will recreate a typical pipeline control room used in the midstream industry, providing researchers and students with a realistic environment to study how individuals operate under high-pressure conditions. By closely observing workflows and potential points of failure, the team aims to design more effective systems that better support control room operators. 

Historically, PHMSA funding has been awarded to major universities with strong ties to the oil and gas industry, making this a particularly meaningful milestone for TAMU-CC. 

“This award, along with our ongoing efforts to expand collaborations with industry partners, is clear evidence that TAMU-CC is building strong momentum and recognition in the midstream sector, which is vital to our region and beyond,” Kalb said.