UA Announces Partnership With Air Force Research Lab
The collaborative agreement with AFRL New Mexico is expected to improve career opportunities for students and provide access to specialized test facilities.

University Relations – Communications
Aug. 3, 2015

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From left: UA Senior Vice President Kimberly Andrews Espy; Col. Dwight Pavek, deputy director, directed energy directorate, AFRL; and Thomas Cooley, senior scientist, directed energy directorate, AFRL.
From left: UA Senior Vice President Kimberly Andrews Espy; Col. Dwight Pavek, deputy director, directed energy directorate, AFRL; and Thomas Cooley, senior scientist, directed energy directorate, AFRL.


The University of Arizona and Air Force Research Laboratory New Mexico have signed an agreement expected to facilitate collaborative research, improve career opportunities for students, advance technological development in Arizona, and expand STEM education outreach initiatives.

The UA is only the fifth school in the country — and the only one in Arizona — to have a signed a Strategic Educational Partnership Agreement with AFRL New Mexico, located in Albuquerque at Kirtland Air Force Base.

AFRL New Mexico is comprised of two technical directorates: directed energy and space vehicles. Scientists and engineers from both directorates will collaborate with UA students and faculty in areas such as optical sciences and space situational awareness.

The agreement gives UA students and faculty increased access to AFRL personnel, specialized test facilities such as microwave and laser labs, and surplus equipment that can be used for research and education. With the development of skills and training, students' employment opportunities are expected to increase, enhancing the attractiveness of Arizona to employers in STEM-related fields.

"The University of Arizona is pleased to partner with AFRL in service of our nation’s defense and security," said Kimberly Andrews Espy, the UA's senior vice president for research. "The alignment between the University of Arizona’s long-standing strengths in optics, space science, physical sciences and engineering, and AFRL’s programs, is remarkable, making this partnership a natural."

The partnership will enhance the career development of AFRL scientists, engineers and managers, who will conduct research and development projects alongside the UA's world-class scientists and practicing academic professionals.

"We are excited about the opportunities that this agreement creates and look forward to working with the University of Arizona to further our science and technology advancement," said Robert Peterkin, chief scientist for directed energy at AFRL.

The agreement also will create additional opportunities for further collaboration between the UA and AFRL on technology-transfer projects.

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