Texas Tech Secures $6.5 Million ARL Workforce Pilot Program to Train Next-Generation Researchers in Advanced Materials and Radar Technology
Texas Tech University has been awarded $6.5 million over two years as part of the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Workforce Pilot Program. Led by Stephen Bayne, vice chancellor for Innovation & Collaboration and executive director of the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute (CISI), the initiative aims to prepare students for critical national security challenges through advanced research and workforce development in energetic materials, responsive polymers, and ultra-wide bandgap materials.
The project is managed by Candice Clark, program manager in the dean’s office, with a team of co-principal investigators that includes:
· Michelle Pantoya, J.W. Wright Regents Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and her group member Adelia Aquino, associate professor of practice in mechanical engineering
· Rajesh Khare, department chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering with his group members Paul Egan, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and Samantha Kristufek, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
· Hieu P. Nguyen, associate professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, along with his team members Ayrton Bernussi, co-director of the Nano-Tech Center, and Argenis Bilbao, senior director of the Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management and Manufacturing (GLEAMM)
The program is designed to bolster Texas Tech’s research capabilities, increase student involvement in defense-related research and foster collaborations with ARL to address U.S. Army science and technology needs. Undergraduate and graduate students will gain hands-on experience through internships, workshops and networking opportunities, with research outcomes integrated into Texas Tech’s curriculum.
Preparing Future Scientists and Engineers
“This program is a transformative opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary research and gain valuable exposure to the Department of Defense (DoD),” said Clark. “Our mission is to develop a workforce equipped to tackle critical challenges at the intersection of diverse disciplines.”
The initiative will expose students to advanced instrumentation, mentorship from experts in academia and ARL, and collaborative opportunities with industry partners. The program also addresses the DoD’s urgent need for workforce development, as many of its current employees approach retirement.
“This project supports a smooth transition by preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists for careers in defense research and innovation,” said Bayne.
Texas Tech’s Leading Role in Defense Research
Texas Tech’s selection as the lead institution underscores its long history of excellence in energetic materials, polymers, ultra-wideband technologies and semiconductors. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities—including the Pulse Power Lab, Nanotech Pulse Power Lab and Materials Characterization Center— empower researchers to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“Texas Tech is equipped with cutting-edge semiconductor research facilities that foster innovation and enable researchers to explore advanced materials and technologies.” said Nguyen. “We have adequate facilities for material design/theoretical calculations, material development, device fabrication, characterization and device integrations. This could help promote collaboration across engineering, materials science, chemistry, and physics, driving advancements in semiconductor technologies.”
Student Opportunities
Graduate and undergraduate students will have the chance to work alongside top researchers, gain practical experience at DoD facilities and start the process of obtaining security clearances.
“Our top students are motivated to work on projects relevant to national defense and our new Army program provides experiential learning projects that link our students directly with Army scientists and engineers,” said Pantoya. “Our hope is that the collaborations that begin at Texas Tech will launch our students into rewarding careers in the defense sector.”
“The program design combines advanced scientific research with workforce development,” Khare said. “The students trained in the program will be ready to tackle tomorrow’s materials problems of interest to the defense organizations.”
Building a Legacy of Excellence
The program aims to expand Texas Tech’s research portfolio, attract top-tier students, and establish the university as a leader in defense-related innovation.
“Our goal is to graduate highly skilled students who will represent Texas Tech in the DoD and industry,” said Bayne. “This initiative strengthens our research capabilities and positions us for future success.”
With its focus on innovation, collaboration and workforce development, Texas Tech and the Whitacre College of Engineering is poised to make significant contributions to national security while solidifying its reputation as a leader in advanced research and education.