EMPOWERING BENEDICT COLLEGE GRADUATES FOR CAREERS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY: NAVAL RESEARCH CONTRACT
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 25, 2024 The Office of Naval Research has awarded an $8 million contract aimed at advancing national defense capabilities and fostering diversity in the defense workforce. Spanning three years, the contract will fund collaborative research efforts between Benedict College, a historically Black college, and Integer Technologies, a Columbia-based defense software firm. Approximately $7.9 million of the funding will support research initiatives focusing on cybersecurity measures for unmanned vehicles. This research is crucial as autonomous technologies become increasingly prevalent in land, air, and sea operations. Duke Hartman, CEO of Integer Technologies, highlighted the importance of securing these technologies against cyberattacks, emphasizing the real-world impact autonomous vehicles have on society today. In addition to research, the contract will establish a new master’s degree program in computer science and engineering at Benedict College. This program is expected to be the first of its kind at a historically Black college in South Carolina. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills necessary to tackle cybersecurity challenges in autonomous systems, preparing them for careers in national defense and technology innovation. Benedict College plans to allocate half of the contract funding to enhance its research infrastructure, including upgrading laboratory facilities, acquiring new equipment, and recruiting faculty members. Scholarships will also be provided to support graduate-level researchers and undergraduate students interested in STEM fields. The program, scheduled to enroll its first cohort of students in fall 2025, will offer participants hands-on experience through cyberattack simulations and collaboration with Integer Technologies on cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems. These systems enable unmanned naval vessels to operate autonomously, a crucial advancement in maritime defense technology. Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, President Roslyn Clark Artis of Benedict College emphasized the institution’s commitment to STEM education and research. She highlighted the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in contributing to America's national security and workforce development goals. The initiative has garnered support from political leaders such as U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose district includes Benedict College. Clyburn underscored the project’s potential to empower aspiring STEM professionals, particularly those from underserved communities in South Carolina, by providing them with valuable research opportunities and positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation. In summary, the $8 million contract represents a strategic investment by the Office of Naval Research to advance cybersecurity research, foster diversity in the defense workforce, and establish a pioneering educational program at Benedict College that aligns with national security priorities and future technological advancements. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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