"... to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole
... to incorporate into a larger unit
... to end the segregation of and bring into common and equal membership in society or an organization ..."

The University of Oklahoma (OU) boasts the top program in the world dedicated to the investigation of the mechanics of porous media, in particular to rock mechanics, with applications to the exploration and production of hydrocarbon energy.

The institute is directed by Dr. Younane Abousleiman, who holds the Larry W. Brummett/ONEOK Chair and is a faculty member in the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering (MPGE), the ConocoPhillips School of Geology and Geophysics (CPGG), and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy (MCEE). In addition, he holds an adjunct faculty position in the School of Civil Engineering & Environmental Science (CEES). The institute's major research efforts are funded by industry consortia of 8 international oil and gas companies, from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia (Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Ecopetrol, Halliburton, JOGMEC, Saudi Aramco, Statoil, Total). The research efforts and technology transfer (industry deliverables) are conducted by undergraduate and graduate OU students with affiliations in five different departments and two different colleges.