Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) signed a five-year Education Partnership Agreement on July 6 in West Bethesda, Maryland.
The agreement, which Commanding Officer Capt. Cedric McNeal and Technical Director Larry Tarasek signed with UDC President Ronald Mason, provides UDC graduate students research opportunities, internships and professional guidance in additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, material science and robotics education at Carderock. Through this partnership, UDC students will be exposed to the command’s unique facilities, equipment and research relating to surface warfare science and technology.
“This Education Partnership Agreement affords both Carderock and UDC to make headway,” UDC Chief Academic Officer Lawrence Potter said. “It is clear in our work – in our deliberations through the EPA – that this fully aligns with our mission as the district’s only public university. The value of UDC in terms of our graduate internships and research opportunities for students at the university will be truly enhanced by the signing of this agreement – we very much welcome the opportunity today.”
Carderock offers world-class research in the development of hydrodynamics, structures and material technology, material systems and signature and silencing systems, among more. Carderock has collaborated with several educational institutions, helping establish an encouraging environment in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) careers for students.
“I cannot tell you how excited we are – as a command – to not only be able to expand our reach, but most importantly partner with UDC in knowledge sharing and collaboration,” McNeal said. “There is enormous potential here starting with not only recruitment for hire, professor rotations and internship opportunities, but also the ability to engage with the faculty and staff at UDC. This will help us tackle some of today’s top challenges and support the defense of our nation.”
Tarasek spoke about the importance of staying ahead of America’s competition, and highlighted additive manufacturing as a key component.
“Areas like additive manufacturing and digital sciences are critical for Carderock Division to be at the forefront of both of those areas,” he said. “We look forward to partnering with UDC – not only in those areas, but in several engineering focuses.”
Mason talked about his experience partnering with defense labs and the benefit he has seen in those partnerships.
“We do appreciate this opportunity,” Mason said. “I see a lot of potential in it, and I guarantee that, as an institution, the University of the District of Columbia will put everything we can into making it work.”
Dr. David Drazen, Carderock’s Chief Technology Officer, will serve as the Partnership Program Manager (PPM) on behalf of Carderock.