Navy research labs partner with Rowan University

Rowan University has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCAD Lakehurst) aimed at encouraging innovative research collaborations with small businesses and private industry.  

Separately, the University has renewed an education agreement with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) to continue work on innovative research projects and advanced training opportunities for Rowan students. 

Both agreements were celebrated during a formal signing event with Navy and University officials on January 22 at Rowan’s Chamberlain Student Center. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing and expanding our partnership as we build the future workforce and drive new innovations,” said Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman. “Rowan University is proud to support the Navy and the U.S. defense industry as a whole, so they have the best and brightest talent available to develop the world’s most advanced technologies.” 

Rowan joins Navy’s Liberty Tech Bridge

NAWCAD Lakehurst established a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, allowing the New Jersey-based laboratory to work closely with the academic institution to develop outreach programs for small businesses, state agencies and academic institutions.  

The agreement formally brings Rowan into the Navy’s Liberty Tech Bridge, an initiative designed to foster innovation and collaboration between the U.S. Navy, industry, academia and local government. The Liberty Tech Bridge is part of the NavalX Tech Bridge network, which aims to accelerate the development and transition of innovative technologies to enhance naval capabilities. 

“Agreements like the one we signed with Rowan University are crucial to our ongoing mission of supporting the warfighter,” said NAWCAD Lakehurst Executive Director Sean D. Brennan. “Having strong ties to our area colleges provides a phenomenal opportunity to bring new talent and new ideas to the Navy’s mission. I‘m excited to see this partnership grow and thrive for years to come.”

“Through these new hubs for technology development, the Navy is building critically necessary connections between academia, industry and small businesses,” said Giuseppe Palmese, dean of the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. “We’re proud to be the first university invited by NAWCAD Lakehurst to join the Navy’s Liberty Tech Bridge. Together, we have all the components necessary to create a new problem-solving ecosystem in the Philadelphia region.” 

“You never know where great ideas are going to come from,” said Yolanda Mack, associate dean of industry partnerships and workforce development for the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. “By inviting in small businesses and startups, the Liberty Tech Bridge opens new opportunities to solve problems, ultimately benefiting all parties.” 

Agreement extends educational opportunities 

Separately, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) renewed an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Rowan University. The agreement allows the federal research laboratory to work with Rowan University faculty to enhance research and education for Rowan students. 

The arrangement extends opportunities for students to earn academic credit, internships and career guidance from the naval research laboratory, among other benefits.

Through the agreement, the Philadelphia Division intends to expand its co-op program to provide Rowan students with academic and professional development opportunities, hands-on, impactful research projects with Navy engineers, and leadership experience, said Nigel Thijs, NSWCPD division technical director.

“Integral to our long-term technical health are partnerships like these with Rowan,” said Nigel Thijs, division technical director for NSWCPD. “They develop our public-private relationship, create pipeline opportunities for students and encourage students to continue their focus on science and engineering.”