LA Tech Bulldogs making an impact through National Security Fellowship Program

By Sean Green | STRIKEWERX Marketing and Communication Director

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Louisiana Tech students are applying academic knowledge to real-world data analysis projects presented to them by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana.

The National Security Fellowship program is a cooperative effort between AFGSC, the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), and the Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC). 

The endeavor is funded through AFGSC’s Partnership Intermediary Agreement with the CIC to provide students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and similar disciplines an opportunity to tackle specific Air Force challenges.

This Fellowship program benefits each participating entity. AFGSC can leverage highly skilled local talent to address complex problems at a lower cost than traditional government contractors while simultaneously getting a year-long opportunity to recruit these Fellows following graduation. The Fellows, in turn, are afforded a unique opportunity to put knowledge gained through their studies into practice as they solve real-world problems that impact national security.

Select Louisiana Tech faculty serve as advisors to the Fellows and interact with the Air Force project champions while providing insight from researchers and access to labs and facilities.

The CIC and LTARC provide a unique service to AFGSC while expanding opportunities for university students and continuing to develop a regional knowledge-based economy.

Five undergraduate and five graduate students presented their respective project findings, current status, and projections to the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist Oct.18. 

Six specific project areas are focused on data analysis, process improvement and developing high-quality visualization tools for senior Air Force leaders. 

The Fellows will continue their collaborative efforts with AFGSC throughout the academic year and present their results in May of 2023.