Seven Naval Postgraduate School faculty-student teams will develop AI solutions to national security challenges, from passive detection of UxVs to extending UAV flight endurance. The projects were selected to receive a total of $825,000 of funding, provided by the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, in NPS’ first Digital Trident AI Challenge – an initiative designed to increase mission impact while leveraging cutting-edge NVIDIA technologies and tools that are available at NPS through a collaborative agreement.
Each proposal was evaluated for its technical merit, use of applied AI, interdisciplinary collaboration, operational relevance, and potential to deliver impact to the Department of Defense. The selected projects address five key operational areas: command and control (C2), low-cost attritable platforms, robotic autonomous systems, space operations, and contested logistics.
“The Digital Trident AI Challenge is part of NPS’ effort to explore, experiment with, and operationalize emerging technologies that will have an immediate and advantageous impact on national security challenges,” said Kaitie Penry, Director, NPS Emerging Technology and Innovation Office (ETIO). “By empowering Naval Postgraduate School students and faculty to push the boundaries of AI, we strengthen the ability to deliver decision advantage and operational effectiveness to our warfighters.” Read more.
The July 2025 Emerging Tech Showcase & Student Thesis Fair at the Naval Postgraduate School, hosted by the NPS Foundation under a Partner Intermediary Agreement, brought together over 30 companies and hundreds of students and faculty to explore emerging technologies and discuss defense challenges. The event sparked new research collaborations, introduced students to potential partners and research topics, and highlighted the power of partnership within the defense innovation ecosystem. A panel discussion on “Operationalizing AI,” featuring leaders from Anduril, Saronic and Dell Technologies, underscored the importance of industry-warfighter collaboration to accelerate AI adoption and deliver solutions to the tactical edge. Read more and view participating companies.
The Emerging Tech Showcase coincided with NPS’ first ever Lab to Launch Reverse Pitch Event. Read more from Monterey County Now, For the first time, NPS opens its doors to civilian businesses to showcase patented inventions.
Waypoint was created to bring the NPS community together in a relaxed and engaging environment. It’s a place to grab coffee, pick up campus gifts and clothing, or meet with friends and classmates. Like its name suggests, Waypoint is meant to be a meaningful stop. A place to gather, refuel, reset and continue the mission.
This space was made possible through the generous support of Dell Technologies and SoFi, whose sponsorships helped bring the vision to life and create a space that reflects the spirit and energy of NPS.
Visit us inside Dudley Knox Library on the Plaza, across from Café Del Monte. We’re excited to welcome you to Waypoint!
NPS’ next Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX 15-4) takes place August 11–15 at Camp Roberts, with this event focused on Human Machine Integration. As technology becomes more complex and connected, mission success increasingly depends on how well humans can interact with the systems around them.
For this JIFX event, the NPS Foundation provided time critical support ensuring the experimentation went forward and is providing transportation for students and faculty to participate fully. The Foundation enabled the testing, learning and collaboration that makes JIFX a vital part of the NPS innovation ecosystem. Learn more about JIFX.
Technologies in focus at JIFX 25-4:
Patent Explores New Power Source for Unmanned Systems
Could underwater drones one day recharge themselves using bacteria on the ocean floor? A new Naval Postgraduate School patent is helping make that possible.
For the DOD, this innovation points to new ways of extending the endurance of unmanned systems, reducing logistical burdens, and giving the Fleet and Force a sustained advantage in contested environments. Learn more about physics and patents at NPS.
Staying a Step Ahead: NPS’ Warfare Innovation Continuum Delivers Fleet-Focused Solutions
NPS’ Warfare Innovation Continuum (WIC) is a year-long effort that brings together students, fleet officers, Navy labs, industry, and academia to explore how emerging technologies can be applied to naval challenges. The most recent cycle, “Non-Permissive Global Sea Control,” generated concepts that informed Navy thinking on autonomy, logistics, and undersea operations, including a defense concept for countering unmanned threats in the Red Sea. This fall, the 2026 WIC cycle launches under the theme “The Future Fleet,” continuing NPS’ role in turning emerging ideas into operational advantage.
Marines Pilot Artificial Intelligence Fellowship at NPS
Marines from across the service kicked off the first USMC–NPS Artificial Intelligence Fellowship this month, a pilot program designed to accelerate AI research and build AI talent within the Corps. Over five months, fellows will receive tailored education, mentorship from NPS faculty and industry experts, and hands-on experience developing prototypes tied to real operational challenges. The initiative, part of the Marine Corps’ AI Strategy, could expand to include other services in future iterations.
Understanding Iran: A Conversation on Internal Dynamics, Regional Pressures and the Way Forward
Against a backdrop of recent events, evolving regional tensions and shifting perceptions, the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation hosted a Fireside Chat on August 7 on “Understanding Iran.” The event featured notable experts Dr. Afshon Ostovar, associate professor and associate chair for research in National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, and Dr. Abbas Milani, research fellow and co-director of the Iran Democracy Project at the Hoover Institution and director of Iranian Studies at Stanford University. The discussion, moderated by NPS Foundation Executive Vice President Todd Lyons, examined how these forces are shaping Iran’s internal politics and its role in the region.
More than 1,000 dives! This new milestone for the self-powered, Persistent Smart Acoustic Profiler (PSAP), a long-endurance undersea autonomous vehicle, was recently achieved. The PSAP reached depths of 700 meters diving into the deep sound channel for optimal acoustic monitoring using its passive acoustic hydrophone to record the sound data, surface and then transmit the information. The PSAP breakthrough marks a turning point for persistent long-endurance, multi-sensor ocean monitoring missions once limited by battery constraints.
NPS Releases Quarterly Mission Impact Report Highlighting Recent Impacts and Initiatives
NPS is a naval command with a graduate university mission. Through education, research and innovation, we develop warfighters and warfighting solutions to meet naval-unique needs for decisive advantage at sea and national defense. Read the latest Mission Impact Report and check out past editions.
SEAP Interns Conduct Research Aboard Western Flyer
Through NPS' commitment to STEM outreach, high school interns in the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program recently toured the historic Western Flyer, once owned by John Steinbeck and now a research vessel, for an immersive experience in oceanographic science. NPS faculty and students helped interns explore advanced sensors, hydrographic sampling and marine specimens. Read more.
Injecting Agility in Defense Innovation
Following a three-month fellowship with DARPA's Service Chiefs Fellowship Program, NPS researcher Alexis Thoeny returned with fresh ideas and a sharp focus on accelerating innovation across NPS and the DOD. Thoeny shared lessons learned from DARPA's fast paced environment and recommended the fellowship in this short interview. Read more.
Naval Postgraduate School students, alumni, faculty and staff are actively engaged in impactful discussions across a spectrum of critical topics, reflecting the expertise of the individuals and the institution's contributions to addressing defense and national security challenges.
Next-Level Reality
Featuring U.S. Navy Lt. Anh Nguyen, Student, Cyber Systems and Operations Department
Inside the Strategy Room Podcast Ep. 261: "Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Eric Olson: Leading effectively in uncertain times"
Featuring retired U.S. Navy Adm. Eric Olson, MA in National Security Affairs ‘85
Doing Tech Better in Government with Brandon Smart
Interview with Brandon Smart, MBA ‘22
Renewable Realignment: Europe’s Shift to Renewable Energy and its Implications on US Global Strategy
By Jason Warnken, Student, Center for Homeland Defense & Security, NPS
Houthis to Target Ships in Red Sea that Travel to Israeli Ports in New Escalation, Group Says
Quoted – Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor, Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Is Warfare Becoming More Performative?
By Jordan Spector, Master of Engineering Acoustics ‘21
Episode 69.5 – TRP Unfiltered #4
Trident Podcast Hosts Elaura Hastings and Alanna Youngblood discuss this week’s topic: “personal perspectives on the value of engaging through Social Media”
HPU Alumnus Brian Harrell Defends the Grid and Shapes National Security
Brian Harrell, Executive Leaders Program, CHDS ‘20
Can Turkey Deliver on Its Armament Ambitions?
by Ryan Gingeras, Professor, National Security Affairs
U.S. Navy tests 3D printing for repairs during exercise at Naval Postgraduate School
feat Capt. Jeremy Gray, Surface Warfare Chair
By Distinguished Professor Peter J. Denning, PhD, Computer Sciences Department
Ep. 70 – Trident Room Podcast – Bowman Scholars
Interview with Ensign Ryan Engelhard and Ensign Rachel Schlemmer, attending NPS through the Bowman Scholar program and pursuing a thesis through the NPS Undersea Warfare program
Ep. 71 –Trident Room Podcast – International Insight with Mr. Danial “Dino” Pick, Part1
Interview with U.S. Army retired Col. Danial Pick, NPS’ Director of International Graduate Programs
DeepSeek, Taiwan, and the Knights Who Say ‘Ni’
By Harrison Schramm, Senior Lecturer, Department of Defense Management
Profit and Peril in Iran’s Private Sector (Member only podcast)
With Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor, Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, MS in Physics ‘92, was confirmed by the Senate as chief of naval operations. Formerly commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Caudle named unmanned systems, AI and modular platforms among his top priorities for maintaining operational advantage. More.
Vice Adm. Frank Bradley, MS in physics ‘05, was confirmed as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command following Senate approval. Bradley previously led Joint Special Operations Command and will succeed Gen. Bryan Fenton. More.
Jason Potter, Executive MBA ‘13, was sworn in as assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. Potter is a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and formerly served on the Senate Appropriations and Armed Services committees. More.
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, MS in Defense Analysis ‘08, assumed command of the 3rd Infantry Division during a ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Lubas succeeds Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie. He emphasized the importance of continued modernization, training and partnerships as the division prepares for upcoming deployments to Europe. More.
Vice Adm. John “Doc” Dougherty, MS in Systems Engineering ‘10, Executive MBA ‘04, Certificate in Systems Engineering ‘09, assumed command of Naval Air Systems Command Aug. 1, relieving Vice Adm. Carl Chebi. Dougherty brings extensive operational and acquisition experience, including serving as NAVAIR chief engineer and commander of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. More.
Capt. Robert Conner, MS in Information Technology Management ‘10, relieved Capt. James Brettman O’Donovan, Systems Analysis certificate ‘07, as commanding officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic during a July 17 ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. More.
Sonya Ebright, MS in Management ‘02, was named acting director of the Defense Contract Management Agency following the departure of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Greg Masiello. Ebright has served as DCMA deputy director since 2022 and brings 37 years of Navy experience in contracting, operations and strategic management. More.
Capt. Jason Pettitt, MS in Mechanical Engineering ‘05, assumed command of the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) and the AV-8B Harrier Program Office (PMA-257) during a July 17 ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Pettitt relieved Capt. Greg Sutton, who retired after 27 years of naval service. More.
Clyde Richards, MS in Information Technology Management ‘03, was officially named chief information officer of the National Science Foundation after serving as acting CIO since March 2025. More.
Amanda B. Evans, MBA in Financial Management ‘06, was promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force and is retiring with that rank. Evans has served 30 years across active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard roles, including as advisor to the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for reserve affairs. More.
Tom Tyrrell, MS in Acquisitions & Contract Management ‘94, was confirmed by the Illinois Senate as director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, Tyrrell brings decades of leadership across military, public, and private sectors to his new role. More.
Katie M. Salzman, MS in Homeland Security (in progress) ‘27, was promoted to first sergeant and named assistant commander of the Indiana State Police Employment Services & Recruiting Section. Salzman, a Butler University graduate, has played a key role in strengthening recruiting efforts and mentoring future officers throughout her career. More.
Quintin Jones, EMBA ’20, has been named VP and Head of North America at Spire Global, where he’ll lead growth and operations across the region. He recently served as Chief of Staff to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. More.
Diane Zorri, MA in Security Studies and Defense Policy ‘06, was appointed academic director of Norwich University’s online strategic studies programs. After a distinguished career in the Air Force and defense industry, Zorri was chosen to apply her comprehensive field knowledge to enhance Norwich’s programs and certificates for today’s evolving military and business environments. More.
David Schulz, MS in Management ’93, the current executive vice president and chief financial officer at Wesco International, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. More.
John Rose, former sabbatical researcher at the Naval Postgraduate School, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Queen Mary University of London for his international contributions to mechanical engineering and heat transfer. More.
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