The University of Texas at Arlington celebrated the naming of the HF Controls Student Success Center—"The Bughouse"—with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.
The event recognized a $450,000 gift from HF Controls, a global instrumentation and control systems manufacturer, to support nuclear research in the Computer Science and Engineering Department.
The gift will fund work led by Yonghe Liu, professor of computer science and engineering, who is exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the development, testing and validation of nuclear plant control systems. His research aims to strengthen safety and efficiency in the highly regulated nuclear field.
"This generous investment from HF Controls reflects the power of academic and industry partnerships in driving innovation," UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. "We are honored to work alongside HF Controls to advance research that addresses global energy needs."
The gift will also support enhancements to the HF Controls Student Success Center—"The Bughouse," which spans more than 830 square feet in the Engineering Research Building. The space will continue to serve as a dedicated success center and tutoring hub to help computer science and engineering students achieve their academic goals.
"This strategic collaboration represents a visible reminder of HF Controls' commitment to our students and to the future of nuclear engineering," College of Engineering Dean Peter Crouch said. "Dr. Liu's research is at the forefront of AI-driven safety systems, and this significant support will accelerate his work while preparing the next generation of engineers for professional success."
HF Controls specializes in advanced instrumentation and control solutions for nuclear power plants, industrial automation and energy management systems. The company's expertise spans engineering, manufacturing and testing, with certifications from leading regulatory bodies including the NRC and TÜV SIL-3.
"We are proud to partner with The University of Texas at Arlington to foster cutting-edge research and student excellence," HF Controls said in a statement. "This shared vision underscores our dedication to fueling innovation in engineering and technology that will shape the future of the energy and industrial sectors."
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
