Year five Global Strike National Security Fellows gave their final presentations at the Louisiana Tech Research Institute, Bossier City, Louisiana, May 15. Pictured left to right: Stephan Johnson, Louisiana Tech University; Cordus Bailey, Louisiana Tech University; Josiah Norman, Louisiana Tech University; Jonathan Smith, Grambling State University; Norman Pritchard, Louisiana Tech University; Tyler Warzynak, Louisiana Tech University; Emily Johnson, Louisiana Tech University. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo by Robin Nichols, STRIKEWERX)
By Sean Green | Facilitation and Outreach Manager
Students from northwest Louisiana are helping shape the future of national defense via the Global Strike National Security Fellowship.
The fellowship program is a collaborative effort between the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC), and the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC).
The year-long program introduces undergraduate and graduate students to the Department of Defense (DoD) and while using their skills in computer science, mathematics, and other fields to bolster projects in AFGSC.
“Our local colleges and universities are a vital resource for the community and strategic deterrence,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “These talented fellows had the unique opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and directly affect projects that will modernize and sustain the command.”
The fellowship program just wrapped up year five with 15 students from Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, and Louisiana State University Shreveport, where they focused on data analytics, decision tools, advanced learning technologies, human factors, and advanced manufacturing technology.
Rylie Malbrough, a fellow from Louisiana Tech, said the program was “super rewarding” because it gave her the chance to apply what she had learned in school.
“I had to learn how to work within the Envision platform, which was new to me but because of what I learned in college, I was able to proceed quickly and hop on these projects,” said Malbrough. “There so much front and backend development needed that I learned to love it.”
Cory Strickland, a Louisiana Tech fellow, worked as a single software developer resolving data challenges. He relished the freedom to solve those challenges and being put in a situation where he was required to perform at a high level.
“This whole experience has helped me grow as a developer, as a person, and a team player. It allowed me to just elevate myself to being a future leader,” Strickland said. “It made me a better communicator having to collaborate with the CIC development team to deploy the program into the military environment for use.”
Students gained real world experience in innovative problem-solving by collaborating with an AFGSC Project Champion and Louisiana Tech faculty advisors. Their guidance served to help guide fellows towards project milestones and through any technical issues.
Malbrough added that the fellowship program taught her many things she would have missed out on if she had only stuck to classes and an internship.
“The fellowship enabled me to get a head start on my career and broaden my horizons,” she said.
Strickland noted the fellowship is a rarity that others should try to take advantage of.
“To be able to take all my knowledge, especially at my age, and apply it to where now I can build on top of it?