When most people hear the word turbulence, their first thought is the sometimes violent, sudden jolts caused by changes in atmospheric currents while on a flight. While true, turbulence encompasses so much more, including the air we breath, the water we drink, atmospheric conditions and more. During their regularly scheduled October board meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees heard a research presentation on the establishment of a new turbulence research center by Michael Murillo, director of Transformative Explorations in Multi-Physics and Engineering of Scientific Turbulence, or TEMPEST.
Using theory, computation, experimentation and artificial intelligence in concert, TEMPEST researchers are able to test new ideas against real-world observations and use those results to refine predictive models. Funded by a $30 million National Science Foundation grant which began Sept. 1, TEMPEST brings together physicists, mathematicians, engineers and AI researchers to focus on one of science’s most difficult problems: understanding and controlling turbulence. Currently, TEMPEST is housed in the College of Engineering building.
“This National Science Foundation grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in Michigan State University and an investment in the strength of our faculty to understand some of the most complex scientific challenges facing our world,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “This is exactly the kind of ambitious, collaborative research that defines our role as a national research university.”
Capital outlay request
During Friday’s meeting, trustees also approved the State Fiscal Year 2028 Capital Outlay Project Request and Five-Year Capital Plan for a new College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Teaching Hospital. As the state’s only veterinary college and a national leader in veterinary education, research and clinical care, the college serves Michigan’s diverse animal agriculture industry and pet population, generating one of the nation’s largest clinical and diagnostic caseloads and providing significant opportunities for education and research. With more than 30,000 patient visits annually from across the state and a leading emergency and critical care team, the college plays a vital role in animal health and well-being.
“As an animal lover and staunch supporter of MSU’s rich agricultural and land-grant roots, a modernized teaching hospital will position the university to better meet the evolving academic and clinical needs of veterinary medicine while strengthening our efforts to address a national shortage of large animal veterinarians,” said Board Chair Brianna Scott. “The returns on this investment will be felt statewide for generations through the education of future Spartan veterinarians, advancements in animal health and support for Michigan’s agricultural industry. We look forward to working with state lawmakers and our next governor to advance this important project.”
University finances
Trustees adopted the university’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. MSU received a clean opinion from the university’s auditor, Plante Moran, indicating the
university is appropriately following accounting rules and that the financial reports are an accurate representation of the university’s financial position.
Other agenda items
The board approved several other requests during the meeting, including:
- Revisions to several MSU ordinances
- Authorization to issue commercial paper notes
The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting will be held Dec. 11.