In an effort to expand opportunity through education, one of Mississippi’s largest universities is partnering with a division of the U.S. Navy.
Mississippi State University and the U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) recently signed an Education Partnership Agreement, forming an academic collaboration focused on geoscience, data science, and several other disciplines.
The command, headquartered at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, oversees 13 units that work in various scientific fields to deliver information to an array of organizations.
Officials both from the school and Naval command say the relationship will result in more opportunities for students and the state at large – both educational and professional.
“Partnerships like this expose students to the real-world challenges they will be addressing after graduation,” MSU Dean for Integrative Studies and Northern Gulf Institute Associate Director Jamie Dyer said. “By working with CNMOC, students will gain experience working across disciplines and become familiar with some of the advanced technology used in Naval oceanography and meteorology efforts.”
Through the program, MSU students will be able to directly learn from CNMOC’s expert staff and unique technological capabilities. Students will also be able to visit Naval research facilities and work on collaborative research projects.
“Collaborative partnerships like this support our mission and help grow the talent base here in Mississippi,” CNMOC Chief Technology Officer Jason McKenna said. “That is a win-win.”
Further academic partnerships between MSU and CNMOC are being explored as the two work to encourage STEM-focused workforce development in the Magnolia State.
“As we work with CNMOC to develop a cooperative research agreement, we have a unique opportunity to leverage MSU’s overall research expertise to help drive innovation and engagements with the Naval Research Office, positioning MSU as a leader in maritime research and development,” MSU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Narcia Pricope said.
The announcement follows a flurry of recent partnerships by Stennis Space Center, including a historic agreement to host solar-powered autonomous aircraft in 2024.