First Annual NEEC Conference Highlights Innovation and Exchange in Naval Engineering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2011

Ann Arbor, Michigan – Naval engineering education and research was on full display as students, faculty, and industry experts came together to discuss and share ideas about the future of naval engineering during the first annual Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC) conference held June 13-15, 2011 in Norfolk, Virginia.

The first-time event highlighted almost 30 education-based projects focused on current and future technical challenges related to naval engineering, such as the use of alternative energy sources, energy conservation, total ownership cost reduction, use of unmanned vehicles, advanced ship design methods, and maintenance reduction.

“Our goal is to educate and develop the best naval systems engineers for the Navy,” said Steven L. Ceccio, Director of NEEC. “Not only does this event show the innovation and learning that is happening through NEEC, it also demonstrates the critical relationship NEEC has with the Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).”

This relationship was highlighted as the conference featured remarks from Stephen E. Mitchell, Technical Director, Naval Surface Warfare Center and William P. Bray, Director of Integrated Combat Systems for Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare.

“Our partnership with NEEC is very important to the security and the future of our country. We need world-class engineers who will give our nation a competitive edge. The education and research that is being done at these colleges and universities is helping to fill that void,” said Mr. Bray.

The conference also featured a mentor’s panel assembled by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME) - both NEEC Consortium partners. The panel featured discussion and personal testimony from distinguished experts on the technical challenges, personal relationships, and satisfaction they encountered as naval engineers and architects throughout their careers.

Bob Keane, President and Senior Principal Engineer for Ship Design USA, helped organize the panel and added, “Anyone at the dinner would have arrived at the primary conclusions that all panelists are elated that they selected Naval Engineering as their life-time profession, that outstanding career development opportunities [in Naval Engineering] are still in abundance, and that they highly recommend students make a long-term selection for a rewarding career in Naval Engineering.”

The annual conference concluded with a Case Study presentation by Ronald Kiss, a naval and maritime consultant and President Emeritus of Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, as well as area tours for attendees to the Nauticus Museum, Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC), and the Norfolk Naval Station - home of the largest naval base in the world.

About the Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC)

The foundation of the NEEC is to educate and develop world-class naval systems engineers for the Navy's civilian engineering, science and acquisition workforce. Led by the University of Michigan, the NEEC is comprised of 15 colleges and universities, the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).

The goals are to introduce students of all ages to career opportunities in the field of Naval Engineering and to provide support as they participate in project-based learning in all field of Naval Engineering. NEEC students will be provided with continuing education and certification opportunities from practicing Naval Engineers and provides a forum for the development and promotion of Naval Engineering in government, academia, and industry. Students will also experience a unique opportunity to interact with faculty, businesses and members of the U.S. Navy. The NEEC methods will help provide the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) with the next generation of naval systems engineers in critical engineering career fields to address our nation's naval challenges. In addition the NEEC will assist in strengthening primary and secondary education opportunities. 

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For more information, contact Keith Bretzius, Director of Marketing and Communications

Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC) - 1075 Beal Avenue - Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2112
Office: 734-763-4973 - Email: kbretziu@umich.edu
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