LSU Leaders Tour Morgan City Facility to Explore Coastal Resilience Innovations

MORGAN CITY - Louisiana State University (LSU) leaders toured an advanced manufacturing facility in Morgan City to explore cutting-edge coastal solutions. Operated by Natrx in partnership with Danos, the facility produces ExoForms™—also known as “Cajun Coral”—an innovative, nature-based technology designed to enhance habitat growth and ecological restoration.

Cajun Coral is made using DryForming™, a pioneering technology developed by Natrx co-founder and president Matt Campbell, a Louisiana native and LSU Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) graduate. LSU is also where Campbell met Tyler Ortego, Natrx’s General Manager for Coastal Solutions and a fellow BAE LSU alumnus.

Housed in the former McDermott Shipbuilding yard—once used for offshore oil platform construction—the facility has been repurposed under Danos’ ownership to support wetland restoration and fisheries habitat enhancement, showcasing the partnership’s commitment to sustainable coastal development.

The LSU delegation was led by Clint Willson, dean of the College of the Coast & Environment, and Vicki Colvin, dean of the College of Engineering. Other LSU participants included:

• Chris Kees, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Coastal Ecosystem Design Studio
• Steve Midway and Mike Dance, Associate Professors, Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
• Matt Brand, Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
• LSU Foundation representatives Heather Brust and Jordan Joplin

"LSU is committed to bridging science and industry to develop and deliver sustainable coastal solutions," said Dean Willson. "By collaborating with industry partners, we are accelerating the path from research to real-world implementation, addressing Louisiana’s critical environmental challenges."

"This visit demonstrated how LSU solves problems by using knowledge and skills drawn across its different Colleges.  Academic expertise and industrial innovation can drive effective, science-based solutions," said Dean Colvin. "Through these partnerships, LSU continually enhances its role in preparing the workforce for jobs in advanced manufacturing."

LSU and Natrx continue to explore opportunities to integrate science, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and business strategies to deliver faster, more scalable solutions for Louisiana’s coastal challenges.