With worldwide focus on the challenges of space increasing, the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI) have a critical role to play in expanding scientific knowledge and improving technology capabilities in space. On 24 June 2021, the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Basic Research Innovation and Collaboration Center (BRICC) hosted the HBCU/MI Space Summit via Zoom Webinar and YouTube livestream. The purpose of the event was to provide HBCUs and MIs with important information regarding how they can take advantage of AFRL’s opportunities relating to space science research.

The event garnered a total of 217 registered attendees, many of whom expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunities and speakers presented. You can view the event on the BRICC’s YouTube channel.

The event began with opening remarks from AFRL’s Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Director, Dr. Shery Welsh, and USAF Chief Scientist Dr. Victoria Coleman. Dr. Welsh ensures the success of an enormous and varied basic research investment portfolio, a substantial portion of which is distributed among roughly 300 academic institutions. Among many duties relating to science and technology efforts within the Air Force, Dr. Coleman serves on the Executive Committee of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and is the Principal Science and Technology Representative of the Air Force to the civilian scientific and engineering community and to the public at large.

After opening remarks, an overview of the United States Space Force (USSF) and its research opportunities was presented by USSF Chief Scientist Dr. Joel B. Mozer. Dr. Mozer is USSF’s senior authority for all science and technology matters. The Space Force manages a global network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and launch facilities and is responsible for the Department of Defense’s space system development and acquisitions. Dr. Mozer is instrumental in building coalitions and alliances throughout industry, academia, and other science and technology organizations to ensure the best possible solutions to space challenges.

Next, AFOSR’s Space Science Architect Dr. Stacie Williams presented an overview of Space Related Research in HBCUs. As Space Science Architect, Dr. Williams directs many space-focused research initiatives to ensure that the Air Force’s basic research investments and activities are addressing USSF mission needs and priorities.

As an example of a HBCU conducting space science research, Dr. Premkumar B. Saganti, Professor of Physics at Prairie View A&M University gave an overview of the university’s space weather research. Prairie View A&M is one of Texas's two land-grant universities and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. Dr. Saganti is a top space weather researcher and has supported the successful development and launch of two different space payloads: In 2014 on the Shinen2 spacecraft with a payload orbiting the Sun between Venus and Mars, and in 2018 on the Ten-Koh Spacecraft with a payload in a polar orbit around Earth.

Closing remarks were given Mr. Edward J. Lee AFOSR’s Program Coordinator for Historically Black Colleges and Minority Institutions. Mr. Lee is responsible for coordinating activities that provide funding support to minority institutions across the nation, and provides leadership, strategic direction and oversight, and facilitates introductions to universities so that they are more aware of opportunities ensures increased representation within minority communities.  

Each presentation ended with a lively question and answer session from participants. There was also an impromptu networking event through the virtual platform, Wonder at the end of the presentations.

AFOSR is committed to increasing participation from and collaboration with HBCUs especially when it comes to building new relationships with minority institutions. Earlier this year, the BRICC hosted the well-attended AFOSR Engage: HBCU/MI and Special Programs Webinar. After this success AFOSR determined that an outreach initiative regarding space science research would be most relevant and impactful for HBCUs/MIs.

Originally Published: July 27, 2021