Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst and Rutgers University (RU) signed a new educational partnership agreement (EPA) to further student interest in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in relation to real world technical applications required by the U.S. Navy.

RU offers higher education in STEM fields pertaining to current research and development conducted at NAWCAD Lakehurst. Opportunities for RU students studying in the following fields are incorporated into the new EPA: biomedical engineering, chemical and biochemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Packaging Engineering, and Energy Systems are incorporated into the new EPA.

“This EPA will allow NAWCAD Lakehurst to play a key role in the education of future leaders,” said Kathleen Donnelly, NAWCAD Lakehurst executive director. “Through our collaboration with RU students and faculty, we can also gain enhanced perspectives on current projects.” 

In addition to collaboration opportunities, the partnership will help create a greater local pool of candidates to fill NAWCAD Lakehurst’s future employment needs by training students through NAWCAD Lakehurst’s Capstone Project Program Initiative.

“RU students who participate in the capstone program will be given a chance to apply their knowledge to current engineering problems affecting the fleet,” said Haidy Oliveira, NAWCAD Lakehurst education outreach coordinator. “The experience will help to streamline RU graduates into the NAWCAD Lakehurst workforce.”

By participating in NAWCAD Lakehurst’s Capstone Project Program Initiative, students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the command’s innovative technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, the EPA will create mentorship opportunities between RU students and current NAWCAD Lakehurst team members to further encourage students to pursue STEM employment opportunities within the command.