NSWC Crane launches AI talent initiative
CRANE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division has launched an artificial intelligence research and workforce development initiative in partnership with three Hoosier universities. The installation says the effort aims to produce the next generation of AI talent for the military and government.
NSWC Crane is partnering with Indiana University, the University of Notre Dame and Purdue University on the Trusted AI initiative, which is part of the federally-funded Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement workforce development program. Chief Technology Officer Robert Walker says the initiative has been adapted to meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Defense Industrial Base.
“The Trusted AI SCALE program combines research and workforce development based on the unique needs of the DoD based on recommendations from the DIB,” said Walker. “By working directly with the academic partners, we are giving students real technical and warfighter challenges that a typical undergraduate education doesn’t include in its curriculum. This is a high payoff effort, and we are excited to work with IU, Notre Dame and Purdue as the program grows.”
The installation says the initiative will involve immersive research and development, student training and educational pathways that align curriculum, research and internships.
“Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to benefit the defense and security of the United States,” said Peter Bermel, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University. “Fielding useful AI systems requires us to simultaneously develop new tools while training new personnel. In this project, we will have the opportunity to perform interdisciplinary research in AI, train new students, and connect them with government and defense industry employers, to help address the major workforce challenges in the field.”
Dr. Kara Perry, education and workforce development co-lead for the Trusted & Assured Microelectronics program at NSWC Crane, says the installation hopes to eventually scale the initiative to bring more universities on board.