ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Jan. 24, to foster greater educational development of academy midshipmen and further the science and technology efforts of the Navy.
In the signing ceremony, the two institutions formalized their relationship, partnering in research and development, experimentation, prototype development, field testing of experiments and internship opportunities for academy midshipmen.
“NRL and the Naval Academy are ideally suited to enter into this partnership to advance mutual objectives,” said Dr. Gerald Borsuk, associate director of research, NRL Systems Directorate. “Through the enhancement of educational exchanges and technological developments, this MOA is beneficial to NRL scientists and engineers and future career officers.”
NRL is chartered to conduct broadly based multidisciplinary scientific research and advanced technological developments.
The USNA academic program places emphasis on a curriculum of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to meet the current and future highly technical needs of the Navy. This MOA serves to support the professional development of USNA faculty and NRL personnel and enhance the education development of midshipman in these scientific disciplines.
"What's great about the mids working with NRL is that they introduce you to people and projects that you wouldn't have access to anywhere else,” said Dr. Andrew T. Phillips, academic dean and provost, USNA.
The MOA will be in place for five calendar years from signing, at which time the agreement will be renewed or expired based on an overall assessment of the program’s benefit and value to both parties.