The networks were created by the DoD’s (USCYBERCOM) and (USSTRATCOM) to further military research and build a talent pipeline through education. UofL was the only school selected from Kentucky for both networks and one of only a handful to hold the competitive Carnegie Research-1 classification.

“UofL is honored to have been selected for these academic networks,” said UofL Interim President Lori Gonzalez. “Through these new memberships, we will work hand-in-hand with the DoD to redefine student success through technology-driven curriculum, leverage our strength as a research powerhouse to advance defense innovation and provide the human and other resources necessary to defend and advance cybersecurity in the national interest.”

As one of 84 colleges and universities in the USCYBERCOM Academic Engagement Network, UofL will help further four main thrusts: applied cyber research, applied analytics, strategic issues and building a future workforce. UofL has significant strength in cybersecurity, including via its innovative , focused certifications and a $6.3 million research and curriculum partnership with the National Security Agency.

As one of 60 colleges and universities in , UofL will help further research and analysis of deterrence, assurance and associate strategic-level national security themes in a rapidly changing, multi-domain global threat environment.

“This research addresses some of the grand challenges of our time and could have a huge impact on our world,” said Kevin Gardner, UofL’s executive vice president for research and innovation. “UofL is proud to partner with the DoD, leveraging our research strengths to further defense innovation and engineer a future made possible by cutting-edge technology and ideas.”

The will coordinate students and researchers seeking to engage with the USSTRATCOM network through internships and opportunities to present work through DoD’s annual conferences and publications. The McConnell Center also will work with USSTRATCOM to develop on-campus programming featuring top national security thinkers and war gaming opportunities for students and soldiers.

“Our goal at the McConnell Center is to identify, recruit and nurture the next generation of great civic and military leaders,” said Director Gary Gregg. “The future of Kentucky, and our nation, depends on a strong pipeline of talented, motivated leaders, and we’re proud to partner with the DoD to ensure that pipeline is full.”

This work builds on UofL’s existing work with DoD, including via a recent partnership with the department’s . NSIN is focused on solving national security problems by connecting defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, autonomous systems and cybersecurity. The agreement also provides students access to DoD internships and employment opportunities.

“UofL has a deep pool of brilliant innovators and students who can help solve these military challenges,” said Will Fortune, who leads the NSIN program at UofL. “Participating in these two new networks is one more way UofL can help these important national security challenges.”

NSIN, an undersecretary of defense for research and engineering program, is changing how the DoD solves national security problems by connecting defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, autonomous systems and cybersecurity. NSIN is building a diverse defense network through three portfolios:

•  accelerates the adoption of novel concepts and technologies for DoD application
•  increases the intellectual diversity of the DoD by engaging academia and the venture community on national security issues
•  promotes opportunities for national security service among populations that might not otherwise consider a career in national security

NSIN programs allow the university to expand its already robust innovation ecosystem and relationships with the Department of Defense. This new partnership gives students and faculty opportunities to work on real-world national security problems at startup speed. Students and faculty will interact with key military decision-makers and have access to federal funding to develop solutions and technologies. In addition, the agreement also provides students access to internships and employment opportunities with the Department of Defense.

“The University of Louisville is honored to have been chosen to participate in the NSIN program,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. “Across the nation, the NSIN is leveraging universities’ abilities to work with industry in providing viable solutions to issues faced by our military worldwide. As one of only 16 institutions in the nation, and one of three in the program’s southeast region, to have a NSIN university program director on our campus, this collaboration is exciting for our faculty and students.”

Fortune is a Navy pilot with over 20 years of active duty and reserve experience. He has deployed to South America, Afghanistan and Europe. Most recently, he served as assistant chief of staff for the U.S. Navy’s Second Fleet. His local civilian experience includes serving as director of business development for the Kentucky Aerospace Industry Consortium and director of program management for the city of Lexington. He earned a master’s degree at The Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree at Davidson College.

“I am excited for this new partnership between NSIN and the University of Louisville. Although I cherish my time as a naval aviator, it is not the only way to serve our country,” Fortune said. “The Department of Defense needs talented individuals to help solve our toughest national security problems and critical technology gaps. The University of Louisville and the state of Kentucky have a deep pool of brilliant innovators, and my goal is to build an extensive innovation ecosystem focused on addressing these national security challenges.”