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AROUND THE REGION - July/ August 2024 Edition

By AFRL Regional Network Midwest Community posted 09-06-2024 09:42

  
July/August 2024 Edition

Awardee Success Story
Russell "Kirk" Pirlo and his team of researchers from the University of Dayton, in collaboration with Trevor Tilly from the AFRL 711th Human Performance Wing, are developing new 3D printing methods that address challenges in fabricating wearable microneedle biosensors. 

The group has succeeded in creating a new method, Continuously Variable Stacked Extrusion (CVSE), which, combined with drawing lithography, provides enhanced control over microneedle shape and placement. Additionally, they have developed multiple microneedle profile types and a custom program to place each type onto manufacturing devices, as well as established microneedle materials with biocompability. 

    Learn more about their research

    Postdoctoral Research Opportunity
    The Institute for Innovation Science at Purdue University, in collaboration with the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in Engineering, Science, Innovation Studies or other related field to join its team. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within both the Institute and AFRL, advancing the science of innovation through research, collaboration, and workforce development. 

    Key responsibilities include:
    • Conducting research to understand innovation behaviors and processes and cultivate innovation ecosystems in complex organizations tackling multi-stakeholder, multi-attribute challenges
    • Contributing to the Institute for Innovation Science's mission of empowering future leaders through Innovation Science education and advancing interdisciplinary perspectives
    • Collaborating with AFRL Regional Network - Midwest to support innovation and technological advancements
    • Engaging with AFRL scientists, engineers, and member partners to facilitate networking and collaborative research
    Those interested in the position should contact Joe Sinfield at jvs@purdue.edu.

      Learn more about the Institute for Innovation Science

      The Department of the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program is accepting applications until October 31, 2024!

      This program offers a unique opportunity for academic researchers to collaborate with the United States Air Force. This program, sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), invites faculty members from institutions of higher education to engage in meaningful research that aligns with the Air Force's strategic objectives. The program not only fosters innovation in critical areas such as materials science, aerospace engineering, and cybersecurity, but also enhances the professional development of participating faculty by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. 

      Applicants' research interests must be in line with the interests and needs of the various Department of the Air Force Research Facilities. These include the nine Department of the Air Force Research Laboratory Directorates, Air Force Test Center, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Air Force Institute of Technology. Interested faculty members are encouraged to apply and join a network of researchers committed to pushing the boundaries of their fields while addressing the Air Force's most pressing technological challenges.
      Learn more and apply here
      The University of North Dakota is launching a national security corridor focused on research, education, and workforce training. This initiative aims to enhance the university's existing strengths and increase its ability to secure and execute projects with federal agencies such as the Department of Defense. The corridor focuses on autonomy, space, medicine, deployed health, and energy.

      The national security corridor leverages the capabilities of the following entities on campus:
      • Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS)
        • A global leader in unmanned and autonomous systems specializing in research, application, and policy development
      • College of Engineering and Mines
        • Includes specialized programs in chemical engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, electrical engineering, energy studies, and mechanical engineering
      • John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
        • Houses the largest flight training program and currently focuses on propulsion, hypersonics, and space research with plans to expand to satellites. 
      • Grand Challenges
        • National security & space, computational & data science, and autonomous systems are among UND's ambitious goals for enhanced discovery
      • Center for Cyber Security Research
        • Brings together faculty, researchers, and students working in the field of cybersecurity across campus.
      Learn more about the UND National Security Corridor
      Velo3D, the first laser powder bed fusion company entirely headquartered in the United States, offers advanced, fully integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions to help engineers build the complex, mission-critical parts they need without compromising on design, quality, or performance. Velo3D offers a golden print file, which allows designs to be produced at scale across any printer from a single software file with matching accuracy, material properties, and quality control.

      Velo3D metal additive manufacturing technology stands at the ready to reinforce defense organizations in their efforts to produce and deploy today’s most advanced components for critical operations. With active projects that advance the DoD’s critical technology areas (hypersonics, submarines, space, etc.), Velo3D is a key partner in achieving a clear strategic advantage for the U.S. and allied military forces. Whether it’s rapid development of end-use parts for future mission critical applications or producing vital spares, Velo3D provides DoD organizations with a fully integrated, scalable, and deployable manufacturing solution for high-performance, mission-critical components.
        Learn more about Velo3D's defense capabilities and book a meeting with their defense experts
        SightLine Ventures is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses with disruptive technology secure contracts with the Department of Defense. Leveraging a team with deep acquisition and operational experience, SightLine provides clients with a strategic edge and affordable solution with their fractional business development, capture management, and proposal management services, seamlessly guiding companies from opportunity identification through contract award. Moreover, SightLine connects companies to universities, research institutions, venture capital, and industry partners to drive technological advancements that enhance national security. In short, they make navigating DoD funding accessible and straightforward, even for newcomers. 

        Their services help transform potential into achievement, ensuring that each partnership is built on trust, expertise, and a shared goal of securing government contracts. SightLine works with companies in all sectors, including AI/ML, cybersecurity, medtech, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, and others aligned with the DoD's strategic interests.

        To learn more and connect with SightLine Ventures, reach out to Principal and Founder Randy Mullen at randy@sightline.tech.
          Learn more about Sightline Ventures

          Upcoming Events
          • Sept. 16-18, 2024: Air, Space, Cyber Symposium. National Harbor, MD.
          • Oct. 13, 2024: ACS Midwest Regional Meeting. Omaha, NE.
          • Oct. 21-22, 2024: Iowa State University CoMFRE Annual Meeting. Ames, IA.
          • Oct. 23, 2024: UND Space Operation Summit. Grand Forks, ND.
          • Oct. 30-31, 2024: Space Policy Symposium. West Lafayette, IN.
          If you will be attending any of these events and would like an opportunity to meet, please email us at afrlmwst@purdue.edu. We'd be happy to schedule dedicated time to meet with you!

          Click here for more upcoming event information.

          AFRL Regional Network YouTube Channel!


          Have you checked out the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest YouTube Channel? On this platform, partners have access to a variety of video content that includes:
          • Funded project video reports
          • Network promo videos
          • Informative and instructional videos
          Stay tuned to all of our social media channels as new content will be added frequently!

          Tech Connect

          Tech Connect is an exciting new AFRL tool that allows industry and academia to connect with and collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers. The service provides access to open opportunities, identifies meet-up events, lists other DAF S&T enterprise connectors, and provides a way for anyone to share an idea.

          By filling out a simple form, you will be connected with AFRL S&Es that best match your research and capabilities. Be sure to include “Midwest Network” in your subject line.

          Partner with Us

          The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest is a unique opportunity to partner with the Air Force Research Lab. If you are interested in becoming a partner, please visit our Join Page for more information!

          Get Featured in the Newsletter

          If you or your organization would like to be featured in an issue of Around the Region, please email us at afrlmwst@purdue.edu. A representative will then reach out to you for additional information.
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