The University of Notre Dame and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), based in Crane, Indiana, have formalized an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) designed to enhance the educational experience of Notre Dame students through collaboration in engineering, science, and other academic disciplines.

The agreement, signed on November 20, 2024, establishes a framework for leveraging NSWC Crane’s unique facilities, equipment, and staff expertise to inspire student interest and prepare future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The EPA was signed during a ceremony at the University by Captain Rex Boonyobhas of NSWC Crane and Jeffrey Rhoads, vice president for research and professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Notre Dame.

At the ceremony, Captain Boonyobhas highlighted Notre Dame’s enduring commitment to public and military service, stating, “Notre Dame has a long and rich history of public and military service, captured in the inscription ‘God, Country, Notre Dame’ above the Basilica door. This spirit of civil service is evident in the University’s numerous technological advances. Notre Dame’s reputation for technology and scientific excellence aligns perfectly with the talents and passions we cultivate at NSWC Crane.”

He added, “This partnership will propel both students and service members to new heights, fostering world-class leaders our warfighters can depend on. Together, we will build stronger bonds and continue to develop permanent shared spaces and collaborative opportunities between NSWC Crane and Notre Dame.”

Under the agreement, Lee Cambrea, a civilian scientist at NSWC Crane assigned to the Chief Technology Office, will serve as the University Liaison. Ed Maginn, associate vice president for research and Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Engineering, will represent Notre Dame in the partnership.

Rhoads emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, “At Notre Dame, we treasure our role in serving this nation. Partnerships like this with NSWC Crane enable us to fulfill our mission of educating exceptional leaders for both the Navy and the country. We are excited to deepen our relationship with NSWC Crane to benefit the nation through innovation and shared expertise.”

The partnership is expected to advance STEM education, support Department of Defense workforce development, and inspire a new generation of students to pursue careers in science and engineering, contributing to both national security and technological progress.

In addition to signing the EPA, Captain Boonyobhas met with Notre Dame faculty during his visit, including experts in nuclear science and robotics. He also met with the Notre Dame Engineering students who won the 2024 Overall Grand Champion title at the inaugural Artificial Intelligence Maritime Maneuver Indiana Collegiate Challenge (AIMM ICC).

Contact:

Brett Beasley / Research Content Strategy Program Director
Notre Dame Research / University of Notre Dame
bbeasle1@nd.edu / +1 574-631-8183
research.nd.edu / @UNDResearch

About Notre Dame Research:

The University of Notre Dame is a private research and teaching university inspired by its Catholic mission. Located in South Bend, Indiana, its researchers are advancing human understanding through research, scholarship, education, and creative endeavor in order to be a repository for knowledge and a powerful means for doing good in the world. For more information, please see research.nd.edu or @UNDResearch.