Tulane University, officially the Tulane University of Louisiana, is a private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana by a group of local physicians, it evolved into a comprehensive public institution known as the University of Louisiana in 1847. The university transitioned to private status in the late 19th century through significant endowments from philanthropists Paul Tulane in 1884, which established Tulane University proper, and Josephine Louise Newcomb in 1887, leading to the creation of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College for women. Today, Tulane is recognized as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), elected in 1958, and is renowned for its strong graduate programs in fields such as history, public service, law, medicine, public health, tropical medicine, architecture, business, and social work. The university's School of Law is the 12th oldest in the U.S., and its School of Medicine is the 15th oldest, underscoring its long-standing contributions to legal and medical education. Tulane offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its schools and colleges, including the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and specialized institutes like the Newcomb College Institute and the Roger Thayer Stone Center for Latin American Studies. The university emphasizes research, with flourishing programs in disciplines such as environmental engineering, ecology, and aerospace innovation, including partnerships with entities like the National Science Foundation and recognition as a finalist in NASA's Revolutionary Aerospace Systems competition. University College, established in 1942, serves as its division of continuing education, while the School of Architecture became independent in 1950. Tulane's campus life and academic environment are enriched by its location in New Orleans, fostering interdisciplinary studies and community engagement, though it has faced challenges like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which prompted significant rebuilding and resilience initiatives. As a key player in higher education, Tulane maintains extensive resources for research and business intelligence, including library guides for company profiles, financial data, and industry information through tools like Hoover's and access to market analytics on equities, securities, and commodities. Its research partnerships and innovation hubs position it as a connector in networks of academic, governmental, and corporate influence, particularly in health, environmental, and technological sectors.