WASHINGTON – Howard University and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport in Newport, Rhode Island, signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) on May 19.  The CRADA provides collaborative research and development opportunities between Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Howard University. 

Signed during an online meeting, this agreement with NUWC Division Newport representatives further strengthens the relationship and commitment to technical excellence between NUWC Division Newport and Howard. In addition to the CRADA, an educational partnership agreement (EPA) was also formalized, to benefit Howard students and faculty.

The EPA allows warfare center scientists and engineers to work with Howard faculty and students to enhance STEM education. New provisions also permit student participation in technology transfer and associated legal activities.

“This partnership between NUWC and Howard will be very beneficial for both our institutions,” said Anthony K. Wutoh, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer of Howard University. “Howard students will gain real work experience before they enter the job market, and they will have an opportunity to secure employment prior to graduating. In addition, the influx of talent from Howard University will contribute greater diversity to a critical industry.”

With Howard, the CRADA and EPA were expedited through the working relationship between Tony Ruffa, the director of transition for Division Newport’s Chief Technology Office and Professor Bourama Toni, chair of Howard University’s department of mathematics.

“I learned so much during my collaboration with the Navy – about the application of math in this industry, and why it is critically important,” said Professor Toni. “That’s what I am bringing to Howard University and the Department of Mathematics. It has been very interesting for me to go through this experience and have new knowledge to bring back to my students. This is the real-life application of mathematics. That’s the importance of the agreement.”

The partnership between Ruffa and Toni has resulted in three book chapters and two contributed volumes published by Springer titled, “Advanced Research in Naval Engineering” and “Recent Trends in Naval Engineering Research.” Through In-house Laboratory Independent Research (ILIR), Ruffa and Toni were able to co-edit the two most recent books at Division Newport.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

Located in Newport, R.I., NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare. For more information on Howard University, visit www.navsea.navy.mil.

Media Contact: Aaliyah Butler, aaliyah.butler@howard.edu