Lehigh’s Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure & Energy (I-CPIE) recently hosted Dr. John Barkyoumb, Director of Strategic Relations at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD). Located in West Bethesda, Maryland, NSWCCD focuses on applied maritime science and technology. Dr. Barkyoumb is responsible for fostering and implementing strategic research and development collaborations, including university engagement. He was joined by Paul Lara, Branch Head, Structures Division NSWCCD.
While on campus, Dr. Barkyoumb and Lara met with I-CPIE faculty to learn about on-going research initiatives. The day began with a CPIE briefing from Richard Sause, I-CPIE director and Joseph T. Stuart Professor of Structural Engineering. Arindam Banerjee, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, then provided a tour of the Hydrodynamics Lab. After a discussion of wave energy with Banerjee, Dr. Barkyoumb and Lara met with Carlos Romero, Director and Principal Research Scientist of the Energy Research Center, to discuss high temperature storage.
Over lunch, Dr. Barkyoumb provided a briefing about NSWCCD and their current research interests. In the afternoon, Joachim Grenestedt, Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, provided tour of the Ship Hulls Lab. The day concluded with a tour of the Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) Engineering Research Center, led by Sause.
Lehigh’s relationship with NSWCCD began over a decade ago through a partnership with ATLSS. Bill Michalerya, Director of Federal Research Engagement for Lehigh’s College of Engineering noted that, "we've had a long history of working with the Navy and particularly with Carderock. The formation of I-CPIE has generated new opportunities to engage in the areas of cybersecurity, infrastructure and energy, which are key priorities for the Navy."
