Louisiana Tech University’s Construction Engineering Technology (CET) students have earned national recognition after securing an $11,500 grant from the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). The funding will allow student leaders to attend and participate in the 2026 No-Dig Show in Palm Springs, California — one of North America’s most influential conferences dedicated to underground infrastructure technologies.
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The accomplishment reflects the strong leadership and initiative of Louisiana Tech’s joint Associated General Contractors (AGC)/NASTT Student Chapter. Program chair Mr. Reginald Jeter emphasized the students’ hard work and commitment. “We’re incredibly proud of our chapter officers: President Jackson McKinney, Vice President Colby Staffier, Treasurer Jacob Murray, Secretary Kate Hudson, and Philanthropy Chair Ethan Robertson for their hard work and commitment to advancing student engagement in the trenchless technology industry,” Jeter said.
The NASTT Student Chapter Grant Program invests in the future of the industry by supporting student activities that expand skill development, hands-on knowledge, and connections with trenchless professionals. The program funds travel, training, job site tours, and collaborative engagement between students and infrastructure firms. Interest in the 2025–26 funding cycle surged nationwide, with a record-breaking number of applicants. The organization noted that requests exceeded the budget by more than $50,000, prompting stricter evaluation of proposals, student conduct, travel expenses, and chapter commitment. Louisiana Tech’s long-standing reputation and professional student involvement were key factors in securing the competitive grant.
Faculty leaders say the No-Dig Show will provide invaluable opportunities for CET students to engage directly with innovations in underground utilities, tunneling methods, pipeline systems, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. Dr. John Matthews, professor of Civil Engineering and director of the Louisiana Tech Trenchless Technology Center, emphasized the importance of real-world learning. “This funding helps our students gain hands-on exposure to the latest innovations driving the future of underground infrastructure,” Matthews said, highlighting the educational and industry impact. He added that “Our students are not only learning from leading professionals in the field but are also contributing to the next generation of research and innovation in trenchless technology.”
The 2026 No-Dig Show will bring together engineers, researchers, utility consultants, contractors, and industry suppliers to collaborate on cutting-edge methods that minimize environmental disruption and improve infrastructure longevity. Louisiana Tech students will not only observe but actively engage with emerging technologies shaping modern pipeline and underground systems — a rapidly expanding sector in construction engineering.
Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science is widely recognized for its immersive approach to education, integrating classroom learning with applied research in infrastructure, materials science, engineering technologies, and advanced construction methods. The college prioritizes innovation through cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparing students to tackle real-world infrastructure and technology challenges facing cities and rural communities across the U.S. and beyond.
Originally reported by Louisiana Tech University.
