Unmanned aerial vehicles and workforce development part of congressman's visit to Blacksburg campus

The only Hokie in Congress got a firsthand look at Virginia Tech’s defense-related research and workforce development initiatives.

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman ’81 visited the Drone Park on Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus on Feb. 27 and received briefings on research initiatives related to unmanned aerial systems and unmanned underwater vehicles, both commonly known as drones. He also met with four undergraduate students who are part of the Defense Civilian Training Corps to hear about workforce development programming at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute.

As vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Wittman was interested to learn how Virginia Tech is leveraging its deep research expertise and unique facilities to address some of the Department of Defense’s drone-related priorities.

“Unmanned systems will continue taking an increasingly prominent role in our defense strategy, providing the flexibility our military needs to ensure our national security,” Wittman said. “As a proud Hokie and a Corps of Cadets alum, it is exciting to see firsthand how Virginia Tech researchers are propelling us forward in this critical area.”

The group was presented with insights from Virginia Tech experts in unmanned aerial and underwater systems, including:

• John Coggin, associate director of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, on counter-unmanned aerial systems testing and research
• Dan Stilwell, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering and director of the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics, on unmanned undersea vehicle research and development
• Eric Paterson, the Rolls-Royce Commonwealth Professor of Marine Propulsion and executive director of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute, on the institute’s vast research and student engagement programs

The visit was rounded out with the students sharing the diversity of opportunities they have to gain real-world experience as a part of program.

Virginia Tech was one of four universities selected by the Department of Defense's Acquisition Innovation Research Center to participate in the Defense Civilian Training Corps pilot program, which provides students with defense-related coursework and internships and facilitates job placement within the Department of Defense upon graduation. The program is co-led by the Hume Center for National Security and Technology, part of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute, and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

Wittman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, echoed the students’ stories by sharing some about his own experience in Blacksburg and the value he gained from participating in undergraduate research.

Wittman, now in his seventh term, has long provided opportunities on Capitol Hill to Virginia Tech students, particularly through internships for cadets and support for the Hokies on the Hill program.

Experiences like these are central to Virginia Tech Advantage, the university’s commitment to providing the full educational experience to students who have financial need.