KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 25, 2026

Kennesaw State University (KSU) has joined the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) research consortium, reinforcing its commitment to advancing impactful and innovative research. KSU is one of 13 institutions named as new ORAU members at the consortium’s March 2026 annual meeting.

Oak Ridge Associated Universities comprises more than 170 member institutions across the country that collaborate on research initiatives, share resources, and help place students in federal research opportunities. ORAU partners with government agencies, industry, and academia to connect researchers and students with scientific opportunities – most notably through its management of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

“We are excited to join the ORAU consortium and contribute to its mission of advancing scientific discovery and building the nation’s technical workforce,” said Karin Scarpinato, Kennesaw State’s executive vice president for research. “Together, we look forward to connecting our faculty, students, and expertise with ORAU’s network to develop the next generation of scientific leaders and strengthen the health, safety, and resilience of our communities.”

 

Partnering with ORAU ties to Kennesaw State’s strategic priorities of increasing research productivity and impact, accelerating research innovation, and investing in student research support. KSU’s research awards have increased by 53% since 2021, and the University’s research expenditures have more than doubled since 2022.

 

In addition, KSU will open its first major research facility, the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center, next month on the Marietta Campus. The building is a shared research and teaching hub that places interdisciplinary labs side by side, supported by shared research spaces, modern computing tools, and flexible classrooms.

 

Prior to becoming an ORAU member, Kennesaw State already had teamed with the consortium on research endeavors. For example, KSU researchers Chetan Dhital and Madalynn Marshall received a grant last year from the U.S. Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for a study to improve the efficiency of high-tech devices, leading to potential advancements such as highly sensitive sensors that provide faster feedback and computers that run quicker and require less energy.

 

“Adding 13 new members to our University Consortium demonstrates that the value proposition for our members continues to attract interest and new institutions,” said Ashley Stowe, ORAU chief research and university partnerships officer. “ORAU’s University Consortium is a force multiplier in bridging federal and state agency interests with academia and industry. Our new consortium members will build upon the momentum our team has created to strategically position ORAU for the future.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.