WEST BETHESDA, Md. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Vandroff and acting Technical Director Dr. Paul Shang signed an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the National Intelligence University (NIU) on June 11 in West Bethesda, Maryland.
The organizations will focus their research and development efforts on maritime technology and experimentation. Members of the Carderock team will also give educational guidance and assistance to their NIU counterparts while working side by side on a range of projects.
“There is an overlapping interest between Carderock and the National Intelligence University,” said Dr. Peter Cho, an electrical engineer with Carderock’s Maritime Systems Hydromechanics Branch (Code 881) and the partnership program manager for the EPA.
He said the partnership started with the understanding that the two institutions were working towards a common goal in the development of assets for the security of the nation, and that each could be more effective by forming an alliance to work on a solution.
“Our dean of science and technical intelligence, Brian Holmes, has done a fantastic job leveraging partnerships like this for the university, where students have access to resources and programs that actually give value back to our partners,” said Dr. J. Scott Cameron, president of NIU. “The same goes for our partners. Our job at the university is to bring the information we have and share that with Carderock, in turn adding value to the intelligence community and the broader national security mission.”
Cameron said he appreciates that this partnership lends new opportunities for the university’s students, as they have found it challenging to find scientists and engineers — with a wealth of knowledge — within a close proximity of their campus.
“I want to express my appreciation for this opportunity,” Cameron said. “There is a commonality where students and faculty can engage with Carderock employees and utilize the expertise they have within our academic programs. It truly is a wonderful day when we can sign a partnership with an institution that has this immense depth of knowledge, expertise and facilities, and are willing to share that with the community.”
Dr. John Barkyoumb, director of strategic relations at Carderock, is the EPA program lead. He said the program enables educational institutions the opportunity to partner with the Navy, increasing students’ awareness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, which could potentially lead them towards a career in a Navy research facility.
The National Intelligence University is the 14th active EPA that Carderock currently has with colleges and universities.