The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest is thrilled to welcome you to the latest edition of Around the Region, an exciting addition to your inbox that promises to keep you in the know regarding all Midwest Network happenings.
With a mission to share the latest news, trends, insights, events, and intriguing stories, the team has crafted this newsletter as your trusted companion on a journey of innovation.
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April 2025 Edition
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In this constantly shifting environment, we know many of you are navigating change — and we are, too. That’s why we want to be clear right up front: we are not at a work stoppage. We are actively working to strengthen collaboration between our regional members and AFRL. The connections forged through this network continue to drive real results, and AFRL recognizes the impact of your work.
Like many organizations, we’ve experienced a recent budget cut. In response, we’re working closely with our partners to thoughtfully restructure our program and ensure continued value — especially through our award program.
We are meeting one-on-one with every current award recipient to determine a tailored plan for moving forward. Once that process is complete, we’ll turn our attention to the currently paused proposal cycle and communicate next steps.
We’re using this moment as an opportunity to innovate — to do more with less, and to deepen the collaborations that make this network thrive. The solutions we’re putting in place are not being developed in isolation — they’re the direct result of the strong relationships across our network, built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to mission success.
Thank you for continuing the incredible work you do every day. If you have questions or need support, please reach out. More updates are coming soon.
Due to the current budget and travel restrictions, the 2025 AFRL Regional Network - Midwest Annual Meeting has been moved to a virtual format.
Meeting Details:
Thursday, April 24, 2025
12:00-1:45 PM ET
Agenda:
- Welcome
- Keynote address
- AFRL discussion on capabilities and future initiatives
- AFRL Regional Network - Midwest 2022-2025 review
All other planned talks, such as awardee spotlights, state economic development opportunities, and technical directorate showcases, will be recorded and released through our YouTube channel.
If you haven't done so already, please register for the virtual event using the link below, and we will follow up with the Zoom meeting information.
Please reach out to afrlmwst@purdue.edu with any questions. We hope to see you virtually on April 24! |
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"Implementation of High-Rate State Estimation Algorithms"— led by Simon Laflamme, Waldo W. Wegner Professor in Civil Engineering at Iowa State University — is developing algorithms that allow the Air Force to perform high-rate structural monitoring of key systems during high-speed flight.
Laflamme's team has succeeded in designing a machine learning architecture that is capable of learning high-rate dynamics — monitoring rapid changes in a system's behavior — in real-time and can capture details in the sub-millisecond range.
Additionally, an Iowa State graduate student was able to conduct a site visit at Eglin Air Force Base to meet with researchers from AFRL's Munitions Directorate (RW), developing further connections and exposing new talent to the Air Force research landscape. |
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Keith LeGrand, Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University and PI on the project "Adaptive Tracking and Maneuver Characterization for Cislunar Space Domain Awareness," recently received a Young Investigator Program (YIP) award from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).
For his AFRL Regional Network project, LeGrand and his team are creating an adaptive algorithm that can better estimate when and how much noncooperative cislunar space objects move. His AFOSR project aims to create methods that enable ground-based telescopes and space-based sensors to work together autonomously to gather, process, and share information. In both cases, LeGrand's research is enhancing space domain awareness and ensuring safe operations as cislunar space traffic increases. |
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The Defense Innovation Networking Group (D!NG) drives innovation and progress within the defense sector — particularly across Indiana and the broader Midwest — by fostering collaboration in education, workforce development, and critical knowledge exchange. Through strategic partnerships and growth opportunities for both individuals and businesses, D!NG is committed to strengthening national defense and supporting the warfighter, with a steadfast focus on the most important asset: people.
D!NG is embarking on a statewide roadshow, and its next stop is at Purdue University on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 5:00 PM ET!
The event, with the theme Forging the Future of Defense: Where Academia, Industry, Innovation Converge, will be held at Ross-Ade Stadium's Shively Club. The evening will begin with a panel discussion and then transition to networking over food and drinks.
Admission is FREE! Please use the link below to register and learn more about panelists and special guests.
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The AFRL Regional Network - Midwest has added a new feature to its community portal: the workforce development corner!
The workforce development corner is a space for our partners to promote and highlight open positions. It also includes links to a variety of resources on job searching and career development, such as resume help, interview strategies, networking, and financial planning.
Please note that this page is public and open for all to see, but you must be logged into your community profile to post a job listing.
Thank you for helping us to strengthen our network and workforce!
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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!
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! |
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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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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. |
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