Alabama A&M University’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences hosted a dynamic day of collaboration and partnership on October 7, 2025. The event brought together representatives from Omni2Max Inc., Flibe Energy, TPCG LLC/STEM3CTM, and the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) to explore joint opportunities in nuclear research, STEM education, and workforce development.
The day was led by Dr. Mebougna L. Drabo, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Director of AAMU’s Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering (CNSE). Activities began with a tour of AAMU’s Nuclear Laboratory, where visitors viewed ongoing projects and learned about the university’s expanding research infrastructure and laboratory capabilities.
Mr. Kirk Sorensen, President and CEO of Flibe Energy, Inc. (FEI), and Dr. Joseph Bonometti, Chief Strategy Officer, praised AAMU’s leadership and reaffirmed their company’s commitment to supporting the university’s Nuclear Center of Excellence. As part of the laboratory tour, FEI engineers demonstrated molten salt compound handling within a specially designed glovebox. They provided hands-on laboratory experience to three AAMU students and understanding on how molten salts could be the future of clean nuclear energy. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, FEI was founded to develop and commercialize its Lithium-Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR), a liquid-core breeder reactor that builds on decades of successful research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Allen Maxwell, CEO of Omni2Max Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with extensive experience in engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and defense systems integration, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, emphasizing that collaboration between academia and industry is essential for innovation and student success.
The day’s schedule also featured presentations by Dr. Edwan O’Neal of USSMDC’s STEM Program and Gregory Keith Fernander of TPCG LLC/STEM3CTM. Both highlighted the importance of mentoring, experiential learning, and creating pathways for students to pursue careers in defense, technology, and advanced research.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr. Drabo expressed his gratitude and optimism:
“I’m very excited about the partnership we’re building and optimistic about what lies ahead. Together, I’m confident we can achieve great things.”
The visit concluded with a meeting between Omni2Max and AAMU’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, focusing on the development of future Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and collaborative research initiatives.
This engagement showcased AAMU’s growing leadership in nuclear science, engineering innovation, and workforce development. Through strong partnerships with industry and government, AAMU continues to prepare students for impactful careers that advance technology, national security, and economic growth.
Top Row: Dr. Joseph Bonometti (Chief Strategy Officer at FEI)
Bottom left to right:
- Alex Egarievwe (graduate student in Physics)
- Kermit Booker (graduate student in Mechanical Engineering)
- Mr. Allen Maxwell (CEO of Omni2Max Inc)
- Mr. Jack Jackson (Ass Director of Operations at Omni2Max Inc)
- Daylon Rooks (undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering)
- Mr. Kirk Sorensen (President and CEO of Flibe Energy, Inc. (FEI)).
Middle row left to right:
- Skylar (scientist at FEI)
- Gregory Fernander (Founder of TPCG LLC/STEM3CTM)
- Kirsten Williams (undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering)
- Thomas Delarge (Business Development Manager at Omni2Max Inc)
- Dr. Mebougna Drabo (Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Director of AAMU’s Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering (CNSE)).
For more information, contact:
Dr. Mebougna L. Drabo
Professor & Chair, Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Director, Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering (CNSE)
Email: mebougna.drabo@aamu.edu; Phone: (256) 372-4136
