The University of Maine and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard have entered into an agreement to expand defense-related research and workforce training opportunities for students.
The Educational Partnership Agreement, signed July 29, will connect UMaine students and faculty with the Kittery, Maine, shipyard for engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects. The work will focus on maintenance technologies and other areas supporting the shipyard’s submarine overhaul mission.
Under the agreement, students can earn academic credit while working on defense laboratory projects using the shipyard’s facilities, equipment and technical expertise. Projects will be aligned with students’ academic programs and career paths, according to UMaine.
Faculty members will also have opportunities to collaborate with shipyard personnel on research projects. The partnership is intended to develop a workforce pipeline for the defense and advanced manufacturing sectors.
“This partnership is another example of how UMaine is connecting our students and faculty with high-impact research learning opportunities that strengthen their career preparation, Maine’s workforce and economy and the nation’s security,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, UMaine’s interim vice president for research and dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing.
UMaine’s defense-related programs include its Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers, Advanced Manufacturing Center and Advanced Structures and Composites Center. The composites center has worked on modular ballistic protection systems, lightweight military ground vehicles and 3D-printed vessels for the Department of Defense.
The university is also a founding member of the Maine Defense Industry Alliance and operates Army and Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps programs.
“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s ability to support the nation has always depended on the talent, innovation and dedication of its workforce,” said Cmdr. Adam Mills, acting shipyard commander. “This Educational Partnership Agreement with the University of Maine strengthens our connection to the next generation of engineers, scientists and skilled professionals who will help shape the future of our mission.”
Mills said the agreement would allow students, faculty members and shipyard employees to share knowledge, advance research and develop workers for the Navy’s future needs.
