On Oct. 26, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) Innovation Lab hosted the Virginia University Leadership Partnering Summit. Presidents, deans and various representatives from six Virginia universities gathered with senior leadership to discuss expanding strategic academic partnerships between the warfare center and Virginia’s top research universities.
The distinguished attendees from the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University and George Mason University heard briefs from Command and subject matter experts about the future missions at Dahlgren and key research interests which will impact the future fleet. Brief subjects included current and proposed NSWCDD academic partnership programs as well as artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtualization.
The event was led by NSWCDD Commanding Officer Capt. Stephen ‘Casey’ Plew, Acting Technical Director Darren Barnes, and the Chief Technology Office. Throughout the day, the summit leaders opened the floor for questions and constructive dialogue concerning future partnerships that will mutually benefit the universities and NSWCDD.
Following the summit, the attendees were invited to tour the Laser Lethality Lab for a directed energy demonstration.