Pantex and West Texas A&M University forge future of research with new facility
CANYON, TX– Pantex has sprouted roots in Canyon, Texas, with the launch of the Palo Duro Research Facility. The research facility is located on the campus of West Texas A&M University, approximately 50 miles southwest of the Pantex Plant.
“We have had a really good relationship with WT,” said Darnell Austin, conduct of operations specialist. “This is something we’re really excited about and it fits what we’re trying to do.”
This is the first research lab Pantex has on a university campus.
“As a proud member of The Texas A&M University System, \WT is pleased to be associated with the System’s leadership partner role at Pantex and Los Alamos National Laboratory bringing integration between Nuclear Security Enterprise design agencies and production sites,” said Walter V. Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University. “Having Pantex on the campus is another way WT is serving locally first, paying attention to our region, and investing in people, programs, and places as THE Panhandle’s University.”
Pantex is dedicated to forming and maintaining strategic partnerships, and this facility emphasizes the importance of the continued collaboration with the Texas A&M University System.
“Pantex has long been proud to be a cornerstone of the Texas Panhandle community, just like West Texas A&M University,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt said. “This partnership represents not just a physical space, but a commitment to the future—one that fosters innovation and collaboration.”
Once operated as a hospital, the building now belongs to WT with Pantex leasing the space. After renovations, the research facility houses approximately 15 members of Pantex’s research-and-development group, with more than 7,500 square-feet dedicated to research and lab areas plus office space.
“The Palo Duro Research Center is more than just a physical structure—it is an environment where engineers and scientists will tackle the challenges of tomorrow while partnering with future leaders,” Tyfani Lanier, Pantex engineering director and chief engineer said. “We are investing in talent, building a pipeline of skilled workers who will contribute to the growth and security of our country.”
The facility welcomed occupants in March 2025. Dozens of people contributed to this project, which has been underway for approximately 3 years now.
“I have to give credit to everyone for the work they did,” said Ben Stallwitz, technology development director for Pantex Engineering. “I think you could point to a lot of people in a lot of organizations at Pantex and WT who worked hard to get this project across the finish line.”
Several years of research and working through requirement processes has led to this cost-effective solution.
“This space provides us a great opportunity to continue to grow our partnerships and leverage the collective intellectual horsepower of our researchers,” Stallwitz said. “This setup is more aligned to our exploratory research portfolio and our growing body of material science, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
It is also a convenient place for WT students in applicable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to have access to internship learning.
"The new Pantex Lab on the WT campus is more than just a facility—it is a bridge between education and industry, research and real-world application. This collaboration will provide students with hands-on experience, create workforce opportunities, and foster groundbreaking collaborations between WT and Pantex researchers,” said Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president of Research and Compliance and dean of the Graduate School. “The innovations developed here will drive economic growth and strengthen national security. Pantex has been a longstanding partner with WT, and we are excited to see this collaboration enter a new phase. We proudly welcome Pantex to the WT campus."
Pantex’s commitment to the Texas Panhandle mirrors WTs dedication to serving the region. Together, Pantex and WT are shaping a stronger, more dynamic future for the entire Panhandle.
“The addition of the Palo Duro Research Facility on WT’s campus furthers our commitment to being a regional research university,” Wendler said. “Having Pantex on campus provides an opportunity for our students that no other university has—we are proud to educate and train the future workforce that will contribute to the Pantex mission.”
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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration's Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.
CONTACT
Dr. Amberly Winningham
Communications
(806) 340.2624
amberly.winningham@pantex.doe.gov