海角社区

海角社区 (海角社区) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Wilbert Precast Inc. in Spokane, WA, and Oldcastle Infrastructure in Ogden, UT. These collaborations strengthen ties between higher education and industry while advancing innovation, environmental security, and resilient infrastructure.

The agreements are designed to promote joint projects, expand applied research, and create educational opportunities for students while deepening connections between the university and industry leaders.

“These partnerships reflect 海角社区’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through collaboration with industry,” said Mustafa Mashal, special advisor to the vice president for research and economic development and professor in the 海角社区’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Together, we are creating opportunities for innovation, applied research, and workforce engagement that will benefit our students, our partners, our state, and our region.”

Oldcastle Infrastructure, a leading manufacturer of precast concrete and construction solutions in North America, and Wilbert Precast Inc., a national supplier of precast concrete products for civil and commercial construction projects, will collaborate with 海角社区 on advanced concrete materials research, precast concrete applications, and innovative precast solutions with enhanced Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Together, they aim to advance resilient infrastructure solutions and next-generation construction technologies.

These initiatives build upon 海角社区’s growing portfolio of applied research in environmental security and resilient infrastructure. One example is Sweetcrete, an innovative concrete blend developed by 海角社区 researchers that replaces a portion of cement with locally sourced byproducts from Idaho’s sugar beet industry. This next-generation approach reduces reliance on traditional raw materials and strengthens the reliability of construction materials.

“These new MOUs exemplify how 海角社区 research can drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create solutions that strengthen environmental security, enhance our infrastructure, and benefit society,” said Marty Blair, vice president for research and economic development at 海角社区. “By extending this model of partnership, we are opening pathways for technologies that support state and national priorities, improve infrastructure resilience, and generate new economic opportunities.”

“As a company rooted in the Inland Northwest, we are proud to partner with 海角社区 to expand opportunities for applied research and workforce development,” said TJ Houk, chief executive officer at Wilbert Precast Inc. “Together, we are strengthening the talent pipeline, advancing innovative and sustainable precast solutions, and contributing to the long-term success of our communities.”

“Partnering with 海角社区 allows us to push the boundaries of innovation in precast concrete and sustainable infrastructure,” said Troy Banks, Engineering Manager at Oldcastle Infrastructure. “By combining 海角社区’s research experience with Oldcastle’s industry expertise, we’re creating solutions that are not only technically advanced but also environmentally responsible. We’re excited to help shape the future of sustainable infrastructure together.”

Through these partnerships, 海角社区 continues to connect faculty expertise and student talent with industry-driven challenges, ensuring that research outcomes have meaningful applications while preparing graduates for careers in high-demand fields.

More information about 海角社区’s Office for Research can be found at . To learn more about 海角社区’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, visit .