February 2026 News Roundup

Thank you for joining us at Converge @ NPS!

More than 300 professionals from across industry, venture capital, government, and military agencies, and the Naval Postgraduate School gathered in Monterey, California, January 28 to 30, for Converge @ NPS to connect technology and innovation with operational needs and initiate collaborations that can accelerate relevant capability development.

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Through project pitches, panels, workshops, exhibits, and operational challenge breakout groups, Converge enabled attendees to explore collaborative research, experimentation, testing, and pathways to move solutions from prototype to operational use. All Converge-related projects and collaboration opportunities are now available in Athena.

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Converge @ NPS will return July 22 to 24, 2026, in conjunction with the International Alumni Symposium, hosted in Monterey, California. Registration will open in June 2026.

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View the Converge @ NPS photo album.

NPS Impact - Happening Now!:

NPS Project Pitches at Converge @ NPS

Converge @ NPS kicked off on January 28 with an NPS Project Pitch, where six NPS faculty and students presented collaborative projects to industry and military and government agencies. The session highlighted how NPS research and education are focused on practical, applied work using data, commercial tools, and experimentation to move efforts from prototype to capabilities that can be tested, integrated, and used.

The project pitches sought partnership and sponsorship opportunities spanning research, education, experimentation, and data sharing, and represent only a small sample of the collaboration opportunities underway at NPS.

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Project focus areas included:

Energy and sensing
Artificial intelligence and autonomy
Wargaming and decision support
Applied experimentation and data driven approaches

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NPS News:

Inaugural Marine Corps AI Fellowship Advances Workforce, Applications

‍The Marine Corps’ inaugural AI Fellowship, hosted at the Naval Postgraduate School, is equipping Marines to apply artificial intelligence directly to real-world operational challenges. Through hands-on research, field experimentation, and close mentorship from NPS faculty and industry experts, fellows are translating emerging AI technologies into practical solutions for the fleet. Learn more.

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1st MLG Conducts Expeditionary Contracting Training Exercise 26

‍U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group conducted Expeditionary Contracting Training Exercise 26 at the Naval Postgraduate School, using realistic, scenario-based training to prepare for deployed contracting operations. Hosted at NPS, the exercise allowed Marines to practice expeditionary contracting skills in a controlled academic environment that mirrors real-world operational demands. Learn more.

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Naval Postgraduate School Trains Non-Specialist Operators in Deployable 3D Printing with XSPEE3D‍

The Naval Postgraduate School, through its Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE), partnered with SPEE3D to train service members on deployable 3D printing systems during Trident Warrior ’25. By demonstrating how non-specialist operators can rapidly repair critical aviation parts in contested environments, NPS is advancing frontline manufacturing, readiness, and workforce development for the joint force. Learn more.

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Monterey Military Institutions Team Up for Exchange

‍Naval Postgraduate School international students and active-duty Republic of Korea officers partnered with the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to strengthen language proficiency and operational understanding. Through this renewed collaboration, NPS is helping connect academic instruction with real-world military experience across Monterey’s joint education community. Learn more.

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NPS Offers Three New Master’s Programs in Acquisition and Financial Management‍

The Naval Postgraduate School is expanding opportunities for the acquisition workforce with three new master’s degree programs in acquisition and financial management. Designed for part-time, remote study, the programs allow professionals to advance their education without stepping away from their duties. With application windows opening this month for select programs, eligible personnel should review requirements and timelines now. Learn more.

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Center for Homeland Defense and Security Launches New Learning and Research Sites, Expands Irregular Warfare Courses

The Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School has launched new Learning and Research Sites to expand access to vetted resources, self-study courses and applied research for homeland security professionals. In partnership with the Irregular Warfare Center, CHDS also introduced three new Irregular Warfare courses, now available in its self-study catalog. Access to the courses is free for qualified U.S. citizens across government, military and academic communities. Learn more.

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NPS Experts - Conversations on Critical Topics:

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.

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The Adolescence of AI: A National Security Reckoning for Homeland Defense
By Angi English, SME III for the Executive Education Team, Center for Homeland Defense and Security

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How the Iranian Regime Breaks
By Prof. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.

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The Commanding Officer’s Innovation Imperative
By LCDR Jordan Spector, Space Systems Certificate '17

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How the Navy’s IW Community Must Innovate to Win
Lt. Cmdr. Shane Halton and Lt. Cmdr. Adam Reiffen, a current NPS student in the Master of Applied Computing program through NPS Online

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Fight Tonight: Powering Coalition Readiness Through Mission Partner Environments
By Russ Smith, MS in Systems Technology (Command, Control, and Communications) '99

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Seconds matter: Fixing the hidden flaws in mass casualty incident response
By Jim Morrissey, MA in Homeland Security '07

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As US forces build in Middle East, Trump and Iran are locked in a staredown
Featuring Prof. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.

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Trident Room Podcast Ep. 73 – Leadership, Deterrence and USW with HOF Alumnus Cecil Haney
Featuring Adm. Cecil Haney, MS in Engineering Acoustics and Systems Technology ’87 and NPS Foundation Advisory Council member

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Future-proofing military servers for AI advancements
Jeffery Dixon, M.S. in systems engineering ‘09

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WEST 2026: Digital Transformation Teams Are a Core Part of the Marines’ AI Strategy
Quoted – Capt. Christopher Clark, MS in Computer Science ‘23

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Regular or Unleaded? Differentiating Irregular Warfare
Featuring Chad Machiela, Faculty Research Associate, and Seth Gray, Faculty Associate and PhD Student in Information Sciences

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The Aftermath of the Protests in Iran
Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor, National Security Affairs

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Turkey’s evolving role in a new global geopolitical and security order
Brenda Shaffer, Research Faculty Member

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IBCS And The Future Of Offensive And Defensive Integrated Fires
Brandon M. Williams, MS in Program Management ‘19

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From Prep to Pass: Comparing PM Practitioner Prep Courses
Maj. Mary Lord, MS in Systems Engineering Management ‘22

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Alumni Updates:

USMC Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock, Information Systems and Operations Certificate ’09, has been confirmed as deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command during a major transition period for the organization. Her confirmation comes as Cyber Command weighs new leadership, structural changes, and the expanding role of cyber in modern military operations. Read more.

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The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School marked a change of command as Cmdr. Jacob King, MS in Systems Engineering ’14, assumed leadership from Cmdr. Travis Hartman, MS Engineering Science (Aerospace Engineering) ’16, during a ceremony at NAS Patuxent River. The transition highlights a moment of continuity and momentum for the school as it looks ahead to its next chapter. Read more.

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Maj. Codi Anne Mullen, MS in Operations Research ’22, assumed command of Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during an activation ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa. The milestone marks the stand-up of the brigade’s first headquarters company, strengthening command and readiness for forward-deployed operations in the Indo-Pacific. Read more.

Reveal Technology announced the addition of four senior executives as it scales following a major Series B funding round and recent acquisition activity. Among the new hires is Cale Teeter, MA in Homeland Security ’13, who joins as Senior Vice President of Federal & Public Safety, bringing deep operational experience supporting U.S. government missions. Read more.

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Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Male, P.E., CEC, Master Certificate in Cybersecurity ’19, was named NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic’s 2026 Military Engineer of the Year and the NAVFAC-wide Military Engineer of the Year. The recognition highlights his leadership and technical impact supporting complex infrastructure and readiness missions across the fleet. Read more.

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Cmdr. Karen Wingeart, now division head of the Maritime Warfare Control Systems Division at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, reflects on a career spanning operational forecasting, combat systems, and technical leadership. Her journey traces a path from tracking Super Typhoon Pongsona at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center to leading critical warfare systems that directly support today’s fleet readiness. Read more.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced appointments to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees, including Richard Holzknecht, MS in National Security Affairs ’91. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. Read more.

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