This session is an opportunity to discuss what matters most to you: funding, proposal content, AFRL collaborators, rubrics, network membership, micro-apprenticeships, and more.

In attendance will be the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest Lead Program Manager, Amanda Ridge, and Director, Stacy Manni. Any questions or issues connecting should be directed at afrlmwst@purdue.edu.

Sign Up for New Community Portal

The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest has launched a new community portal! The portal provides a space for collaboration, discussion, learning, and networking that enables partners to: Collaborate with fellow scientists and engineers Discuss projects, problems, and new ideas Receive news on funding, opportunities, and events Search for scientists and engineers by area of expertise All future funding opportunities will be advertised through the portal, so make sure you sign up today!  First, click “Log in” in the top right corner of the page. Then, click “Can’t Access Your Account.” Enter your email address (as provided upon joining to the network) and select “Send Password Link.” A link will be sent for you to create your password. Please check your spam folder for this message and allow up to five minutes to receive the link. If you have trouble accessing the community portal, please email afrlmwst@purdue.edu.

Access the community portal

Use the quick start guide to help you get started

Midwest Regional Network Travels to Iowa and Nebraska

The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest will be attending two events in Iowa and Nebraska in October 2024.

Director Stacy Manni is attending the American Chemical Society (ACS) Midwest Regional Meeting, which will be held Oct. 13-15 at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She will also be meeting with local industry partners on Oct. 15-16 and faculty at University of Nebraska - Lincoln on Oct. 16.

Lead Program Manager Amanda Ridge will be at the Iowa State University Center for Multiphase Flow Research and Education (CoMFRE) Annual Meeting in Ames, IA on Oct. 21-22. 

If you would like to schedule a time to meet with Stacy or Amanda during these events, please reach out to afrlmwst@purdue.edu.

Andres Arrieta, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, is collaborating with Nathan Hertlein and Philip Buskohl of the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) to produce a design tool for morphing waveriders. The project has established a dome-like structural arrangement (i.e., metastructure) that is capable of morphing between distinct shapes closely resembling the optimal bottom surfaces for a waverider traveling at Mach 5 and Mach 10, respectively. The collaboration has yielded an additional research idea involving the design of a bistable unit. In particular, the AFRL team has been numerically exploring bistable domes with non-uniform radii and have asked Purdue to experimentally validate the results.

Learn more about this project

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 National Defense Science and Engineering (NDSEG) Fellowship program is accepting applications until November 3, 2024. The NDSEG Fellowship program aims to boost the number of U.S. citizens earning doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields relevant to military interests. Applicants interested in these disciplines compete for fellowships listed in the Department of Defense’s Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) for research development. The fellowship covers various areas including aeronautical and astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics, among others. Applicants must have received or will receive their baccalaureate degree in the year of their application or must be within the first two years of PhD graduate study in a science or engineering program. Applicants must also be majoring in a discipline that addresses Department of Defense research & technology priorities.

Learn more and apply here

The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a comprehensive opportunity for STEM students that combines education with workforce development. It offers scholarships to undergraduates, master’s, and doctoral students in 21 STEM disciplines. SMART Scholars receive full tuition coverage, annual stipends, and employment with the DoD upon graduation. This program aims to cultivate future research leaders by providing both education and career opportunities. This year's application is now open and is due by 5:00 PM on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Learn more and apply here

The Ohio State University has a rich history of pioneering achievements in aviation and space-related research and education. Notable contributions include Professor John Kraus' development of the Big Ear radio telescope, Maj. Robert Lawrence Jr.'s distinction as the first African-American astronaut, and Professor Paul Fitts' influential work on human factors engineering. Today, Ohio State continues to lead in discoveries and education, preparing the next generation of leaders in aviation, space research, and exploration. Over 300 faculty members focus on space-related research, and approximately $40 million is awarded to Ohio State annually in this research area. To date, the AFRL Regional Network - Midwest has funded five projects led by Ohio State researchers that deal with space domain awareness or on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM).

Learn more about Ohio State's space research

The U.S. Air Force celebrates its birthday on September 18, marking the day in 1947 when it was officially established as a separate branch of the U.S. military under the National Security Act. The creation of the Air Force acknowledged the growing importance of air power in modern warfare and the need for a dedicated branch to oversee the nation's air defense and strategic operations. Over the years, the Air Force has played a crucial role in both national defense and international peacekeeping missions, continually advancing in technology and capability. Its birthday is a time to honor the contributions and sacrifices of Air Force personnel, past and present, and to celebrate the achievements that have made it a dominant force in global air and space operations.

The Michigan State University Research Foundation is hosting the Data Science Summit 2024 on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at TechSmith in East Lansing, MI.

At this event, data science experts from across Michigan gather to explore data methods, privacy concerns, and their real-world implications. Industry stakeholders, university faculty and researchers, startup founders, government policymakers, and advanced students are encouraged to attend.

Learn more and register

Upcoming Events

Sept. 16-18, 2024: Air, Space, Cyber Symposium. National Harbor, MD. Oct. 13-16, 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.

Get Connected!

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.

At the AFRL Regional Network – Midwest, we are dedicated to developing next-generation research and technology to support the Air Force mission by providing analysis, development, and testing capabilities that span multiple science and engineering disciplines. From propulsion to communications, materials to sensors, our research focuses on advancing mission capability and accelerating technology transitions throughout the life cycle of programs. At the Midwest Network, we understand the importance of collaboration in advancing technology and mission capability. We facilitate partnerships between industry and academia to develop new means to address the current and future needs of our customers.