The Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) entered into an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Drexel University, April 17.

"We have a long relationship with Drexel, dating back to 1934 with many in our workforce being educated at Drexel. We derive great value from our strong relationship, and we look forward to continuing our long and fruitful partnership," said NSWCPD Commanding Officer Capt. Francis E. Spencer III, remarking on the variety of academic disciplines - electrical, chemical and computer engineering, to name a few -- represented by the Drexel contingent partaking in the signing ceremony.

Dr. Brian Blake, Provost; Dr. Giuseppe Palmese, Dean, College of Engineering; Dr. Aleister Saunders, Senior Vice Provost for Research; Dr. Kapil Dankekar, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Engineering; and Dr. Chika Nwankpa, Department Head, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, College of Engineering represented Drexel University for the official EPA signature ceremony. To assure this EPA delivers value to both organizations, Dr. Nwankpa will serve as Drexel's EPA Partnership Program Manager and will coordinate specific program activities of mutual interest between the university and the Philadelphia Division.

"When we think about the work we are doing in science and engineering, it's very hands-on in nature. We have a very strong history in engineering, and we are just excited to have this formal partnership, as well as look forward to further collaboration," said Blake.

This EPA holds special meaning in the Philadelphia community. NSWCPD and Drexel can a document a 67-year relationship, dating back to 1950. Throughout the decades of growth and a willingness to educate people, many NSWCPD personnel served as instructors or adjunct professors at Drexel University contributing their technical knowledge and patriotic focus to the education of future scientists and engineers. This partnership grants NSWCPD and Drexel a new way to collaborate and address mission critical challenges our nation and Navy faces.

"This EPA entices NSWC Philadelphia to make its scientific, engineering and technology assets, and diverse subject matter experts, accessible to innovate, experiment, and test projects and programs with Drexel University faculty for research activities and participate in the STEM educational experiences of its students," said Dr. E. Michael Golda, NSWCPD Chief Technology Officer.

"As directions, alignments and commitments produce mutual interest and benefits, NSWCPD intends to connect and communicate with Drexel's University faculty and students expand and enhance U.S. Navy research projects underway at the Philadelphia Division," Golda added.

This EPA with Drexel keeps NSWCPD on the systems engineering, computing and program management cutting edge. In short, this pact keeps the mutual knowledge base growing and improves service to the fleet, anywhere around the world.

NSWCPD is the Navy's warfare center supporting surface ship, aircraft carrier, and submarine machinery systems throughout their entire lifecycle, from initial concept, through research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition, and in-service engineering during commissioned service. The Philadelphia Division ensures these machinery systems are cyber-secure, affordable, and have comprehensive logistics support.

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