University of Mississippi students will now have an opportunity to be trained for roles in oceanography, maritime science, and meteorology through a new partnership the university has formed with the U.S. Navy.
The Department of the Navy signed a partnership with Ole Miss on Thursday to offer education, on-the-ground training, and research opportunities for students while preparing them for national security career paths. The agreement was signed with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, based at the Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis.
“This partnership will give our students a direct path into some of the most in-demand and impactful careers in science and national defense,” said John Higginbotham, UM vice chancellor for research and economic development. “It’s a great example of how university research and education align with real-world needs to produce graduates who are ready to lead from day one.”
According to officials, the collaboration will help prepare students to prepare for actual missions, which entail resilient sensing, edge processing, and decision support in contested communications that directly support fleet readiness and national security.
“The U.S. Navy is one of the largest federal agencies in the country,” Jason R. McKenna, chief technology officer for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, said. “While [it is] widely recognized for its sea defense capabilities, many are unaware that the Navy also plays a vital role in supporting cutting-edge basic and applied research, recruiting and training some of the brightest minds in the nation, and providing essential services such as cartography, weather forecasting, and oceanographic data collection.”
The institute’s marine division, the Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology (CMRET), along with the National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA), will aid in the effort to train students. CMRET develops and tests innovative technologies for ocean exploration and specializes in the analysis of marine sediments and their geophysical properties.
NCPA, a center hosted at Ole Miss, conducts basic and applied research in physical acoustics, developing solutions for government and industry in areas such as environmental monitoring, military defense, and medical advancements.
Through the educational partnership, Ole Miss students will be able to participate in real-world research projects, gain access to naval research equipment, and learn from experts about the job of a physical scientist. Aside from the physical sciences, students can choose from opportunities in engineering, communications, computer science, business administration, and other fields.
In return, the Navy will acquire a new pool of job candidates who not only have a degree but also possess useful hands-on experience.