The Navy's center for designing ships has signed a five-year education partnership agreement or EPA with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).
The agreement provides UDC graduate students with more internships and research opportunities in additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, material science, and robotics.
Through this partnership, UDC students will be exposed to the command’s science and technology facilities. The command is based in Carderock, Maryland.
Carderock has collaborated with many educational institutions to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers for students.
Carderock Commanding Officer Capt. Cedric McNeal and Technical Director Larry Tarasek (main photo) signed from their office in Bethesda, Md., and UDC President Ronald Mason (on screen) signed from his office at the university. (Photo by Dr. John Barkyoumb)
“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.”
“I cannot tell you how excited we are – as a command – to partner with UDC in knowledge sharing and collaboration,” McNeal said. “There is enormous potential here with recruitment for hire, professor rotations, internship opportunities, 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.
He also said areas like additive manufacturing and digital sciences are critical for the Carderock Division to be at the forefront, and in several engineering-focused areas.
“This Education Partnership Agreement affords both Carderock and UDC to make headway,” UDC Chief Academic Officer Lawrence Potter said. "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.”