Education
FSU, Army team up to develop STEM talent pipeline
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and Florida State University are partnering to strengthen STEM education and research and build a robust pipeline of future scientists and engineers for the nation.
The two organizations have formalized their collaboration through an Educational Partnership Agreement, which establishes a framework for DEVCOM and FSU to engage on educational outreach initiatives.
The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, the U.S. Army’s sole fundamental research organization, will execute the agreement.
Through this partnership, FSU students and faculty will have opportunities to tap into the expertise of DEVCOM ARL scientists, gaining exposure to a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines that support the Army’s mission while enhancing their education.
“We cannot predict exactly what the battlefield of the future will look like, but we do know that the nation with the sharpest scientific minds will have the decisive advantage,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Born, DEVCOM Commanding General.
“This partnership with Florida State University is about staying ahead. We are giving these brilliant students the chance to work on real-world national security challenges today, so they can lead the discoveries of tomorrow,” he said.
The agreement will allow FSU students and faculty with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world research alongside Army scientists; access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment; and mentorship on career growth and pathways in Army science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Initial efforts will include lectures, seminars and colloquia, as well as immersive research experiences in nuclear physics. These initiatives will leverage FSU’s John D. Fox Superconducting Linear Accelerator Laboratory.
Army researchers will assist in guiding and mentoring FSU students’ research experiences, aiming to advance scientific knowledge relevant to national security and the U.S. defense industrial base.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for FSU to advance STEM education and research,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By joining forces, we are not only enhancing learning experiences for our students but also helping to build a strong pipeline of talented scientists and engineers who will drive innovation and serve our nation’s needs in the years ahead.”
ARL scientists will work side by side with FSU faculty and students to design, conduct and analyze experiments, ensuring that educational outreach outcomes address both academic and Army priorities.
The partnership will also enable Army scientists to mentor and co-advise FSU graduate students, offering guidance on dissertation and thesis research in real-world laboratory settings.
Additionally, the agreement encourages the development of new STEM courses, seminars and experiential learning opportunities for students at all levels, broadening access to hands-on learning and technical expertise.
“What makes this collaboration unique is that it brings real-world defense challenges directly to FSU,” explained Dr. Eric Moore, DEVCOM deputy to the commanding general. “Having DEVCOM scientists work side-by-side with students in their own university labs bridges the gap between academic theory and national security application. Whether these students ultimately join us as civil servants or innovate in the private sector, they will already have the mission-focused mindset our nation needs.”
About DEVCOM ARL
DEVCOM ARL is the Army’s sole fundamental research laboratory serving as the nexus of science between the military, academia and industry. Operating under U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command and the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command, ARL executes globally recognized research to accelerate delivery of war-winning, disruptive technologies for tomorrow’s Army.
For information, visit the Army Research Laboratory website.