Tuskegee University part of the first HBCU Research Center

Tuskegee University was recently named part of the first HBCU focused University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). This is the the first UARC first associated with HBCUs and the first sponsored by the Air Force. Keep reading for more.

Here’s what you need to know

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III made the announcement at Howard University. The main goal of the research to be conducted at Tuskegee, in collaboration with other HBCU institutions, is to design, develop and demonstrate autonomous systems and technologies capable of performing specific missions in complex environments with minimum human interference.

Tuskegee joins multiple HBCU organizations in this collaboration:

• Jackson State University
• Hampton University
• Bowie State University
• Norfolk State University
• Delaware State University
• Florida Memorial University
• Tougaloo College

“Through the new cyber-engineering-focused computer engineering program, the Tuskegee University team is well-positioned to engage in cybersecurity research and education for autonomous systems. This project is indeed an opportunity for our computer, electrical and other engineering students to participate in applied research and, through real-world projects, gain practical knowledge in hardware security and cyber-security for tactical autonomy applications.”     

Dr. Mandoye Ndoye, Tuskegee University

Long term benefits for Tuskegee

Tuskegee’s participation is part of its plan to move to the R2 classification outlined by Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education. What does this mean? R2 universities have high research activity, meaning they award at least 20 research doctoral degrees each year and have at least $5 million in total research expenditures.

“This partnership fits with our goal to establish innovative solutions through research, entrepreneurship and scholarly activities. Our goal is to be a pre-eminent educational and research institution with an R2 designation to increase external grants for research. While this collaboration includes several HBCUs, the long-term benefit for the university and our students is enormous.”

Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, President, Tuskegee University

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