University of Southern Indiana forms Education Partnership Agreement with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division

The University of Southern Indiana and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) have signed an Education Partnership Agreement that will bring the two institutions together to provide STEM and business management opportunities to university students through NSWC Crane mentorships, research opportunities, and facility access. The partnership will help students entering STEM fields gain hands-on experience at the NSWC Crane facility before entering the workforce.

According to an article on the University of Southern Indiana’s website, Steven J. Bridges, who is serving as the university’s interim president, was quoted as saying of the partnership, "This partnership between the University of Southern Indiana and NSWC Crane represents our ongoing commitment to work together to provide USI students with resources, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications in science, engineering and business. With access to Crane technologies and resources and the ability to work alongside experts in the field, our students will gain invaluable insights and skills that will prepare them for future careers. We are excited about the opportunities this ongoing collaboration brings to our University community."

The university and NSWC Crane have had an ongoing relationship since 2007, when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed. In 2009, the two formed a Partnership Intermediary Agreement, and in 2018, they signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement for studying chemical reactions. NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory that focuses on Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electromagnetic Warfare.

Through the Education Partnership Agreement, NSWC Crane has committed to opening its doors to University of Southern Indiana students, allowing them access to the state’s only federal laboratory. Students can pursue hands-on experiences at the laboratory and will also learn about national security and other technology specializations.

Maria Duran, Technology Transfer Director at NSWC Crane, said, "The partnership with USI is critical to our regional innovation ecosystem, as their team of educators has been instrumental in supporting NSWC Crane's STEM initiatives for our 38 K-12 school EPA partners in surrounding towns and cities over the past 18 years. Our shared commitment to advancing STEM opportunities elevates the pipeline of skilled technical professionals needed to address the present and future challenges of our warfighters.”

For more information about the University of Southern Indiana, visit the school’s website.