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Lecture Title: Impact of NAVFAC Southwest Construction Projects on U.S. Navy Readiness and Operational Capabilities

Speaker Name and Title:
Michael Hjelmstad - Applications Specialist for the NanoAnalysis group of Oxford Instruments
Will Linthicum, PhD - Applications Specialist for Oxford Instruments Asylum Research

Lecture Titles:

1. "Electron Microscopy Solutions for the Battery Industry" by Michael Hjelmstad
2. "Applications of Atomic Force Microscopy in Battery Research" by Will Linthicum

Mr. Michael Hjelmstad and Dr. Will Linthicum, both with Oxford Instruments, will present on two similar topics for this week's DES lecture.

"Electron Microscopy Solutions for the Battery Industry” by Michael Hjelmstad

Abstract: 
This presentation proposes research that will delve into the strategic importance of effective resource allocation in fostering innovation within acquisition practices, with a specific focus on the noteworthy contributions of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW). The research to be discussed investigates the significant impact of construction projects undertaken by NAVFAC SW on the readiness and operational capabilities of the United States Navy. The study analyzes the strategic relevance of construction projects such as piers, aircraft maintenance facilities, energy-efficient structures, and support infrastructure for emerging technologies in enhancing the Navy's readiness and operational effectiveness. Findings have direct implications for naval engineering, strategic planning, and operational decision-making, providing valuable insights into the impact of construction projects on the overall readiness and operational capabilities of the Navy.

Bio: 
Michael Hjelmstad is an Applications Specialist for the NanoAnalysis group of Oxford Instruments for the past 11 years. He is responsible for the EDS, EBSD, and WDS products lines with an expertise in EBSD. Prior to his work at Oxford, he was the Lab Manager of the Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Washington in Seattle focusing on MEMS device fabrication. Michael holds both a bachelor’s and master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

"Applications of Atomic Force Microscopy in Battery Research" by Will Linthicum”

Abstract: 
The growing need for innovative energy storage solutions demands optimization of battery performance qualities, including energy density, power density, battery life, and storage costs. Components of batteries, such as electrodes, reactants, solid electrolyte interphases, electrolytes, separators, and housing, may individually or collectively be targeted as subjects of improvement. Atomic Force Microscopy, a nanoscale surface topography characterization technique, can additionally quantify nanoelectrical and nanomechanical information of ex situ, in situ, and in operando battery configurations, facilitating the advancement of battery research by measuring battery component properties linked to battery performance criteria.

Bio: 
Will Linthicum is an Applications Specialist for Oxford Instruments Asylum Research at the Pleasanton, California, demo facility. His academic background includes a bachelors degree in Physics from Union College and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, focusing on mechanical studies of living cancer cells using atomic force microscopy. Will found his true passion for the AFM instrumentation itself, so he pursued a postdoctoral position in a Materials Science lab at University of Connecticut with a primary focus on AFM techniques. With his decade of AFM experience using the instruments for a variety of techniques, Will joined the Oxford Instruments Asylum Research team to continue his passion and share it with his colleagues.

Web link: https://nps.edu/web/eag/seminars

Campus map: view map

Lecture: Fireside chat and Q&A with Mr. Alan Howard, Associate Chair, Energy Academic Group

Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist, which is a fancy way of saying he helps people understand how the world works. Peter combines an expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security to help clients best prepare for an uncertain future.

Over the course of his career, Peter has worked for the U.S. State Department in Australia, the DC think tank community, and helped develop the analytical models for Stratfor, one of the world's premier private intelligence companies. Peter founded his own firm — Zeihan on Geopolitics — in 2012 to provide a select group of clients with direct, custom analytical products. Today, those clients represent a vast array of sectors including energy majors, financial institutions, business associations, agricultural interests, universities, and the U.S. military.

With a keen eye toward what will drive tomorrow's headlines, his irreverent approach transforms topics that are normally dense and heavy into accessible, relevant takeaways for audiences of all types.

Peter is a critically-acclaimed author whose first two books — The Accidental Superpower and The Absent Superpower — have been recommended by Mitt Romney, Fareed Zakaria, and Ian Bremmer. His latest third title, Disunited Nations: The Scramble for Power in an Ungoverned World became available in March 2020.

Peter’s fourth book, The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization, became available in June 2022.

More here

Computer Science Department

In collaboration with the CDAO, the accomplished faculty and staff at NPS has created a foundational executive-level course specifically for DoD leadership examining the potential of AI and the necessary considerations for its successful adoption. The course includes current data and AI-related policies, initiatives, efforts and practices in the DoD and industry, emphasizing the importance of effective data management. The course, offered in a DoD-centric environment, consists of curated content presented by subject matter experts through interactive instruction and discussion, small group problem-solving exercises, and current use cases. The application-based approach will improve the capability and readiness of commands and organizations with respect to using and leveraging AI and ML techniques, technologies, and systems.

Speaker: Lawrie Virgin, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke University.

Abstract: Physics Department colloqium presentation: The phenomenon of resonance underlies a myriad of important features (both desirable and unwanted) across physics and engineering. This talk will present a brief survey of examples followed by a couple of recent developments. The first involves the use of 3D-printing to illustrate sympathetic resonance – via a useful teaching tool. The second concerns the prediction of critical speeds (a resonant condition) in rotation shafts – an example of non-destructive testing. The talk is intended for a general audience. For more information please visit the Physics Department website. 

Lecture Title: STRAIT OF DENIAL: Exploring Alternatives for Maritime Statecraft towards China

Abstract: 
A Naval War College at the Naval Postgraduate School Symposium to explore U.S. and Allied strategic and policy responses to PRC challenges. The forum will address political, military, and economic aspects of maritime statecraft to enhance integrated deterrence in US-PRC great power competition around the globe.

Presenters:
An introduction by RADM Peter Garvin, President, Naval War College & Keynote Speaker Dr. Bruce Jones, author of "To Rule the Waves: How Control of the World’s Oceans Shapes the Fate of Superpowers."

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/EPmcS2b9in

Flyer: view flyer

Computer Science Department

In collaboration with the CDAO, the accomplished faculty and staff at NPS has created a foundational executive-level course specifically for DoD leadership examining the potential of AI and the necessary considerations for its successful adoption. The course includes current data and AI-related policies, initiatives, efforts and practices in the DoD and industry, emphasizing the importance of effective data management. The course, offered in a DoD-centric environment, consists of curated content presented by subject matter experts through interactive instruction and discussion, small group problem-solving exercises, and current use cases. The application-based approach will improve the capability and readiness of commands and organizations with respect to using and leveraging AI and ML techniques, technologies, and systems.

NPS welcomes Rear Admiral Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as guest speaker for the 224th Submarine Birthday Ball. This event is hosted by the Northern California Chapter of the Naval Submarine League (NSL) whose mission is Promoting the Importance of Defense, Promoting the Importance of the Undersea to the National Defense. Please join us for a formal affair with remembrance, fellowship, dinner, dancing, and celebration.

Formal attire suggested.

Web link: https://northerncalifornia.navalsubleague.org

Computer Science Department

In collaboration with the CDAO, the accomplished faculty and staff at NPS has created a foundational executive-level course specifically for DoD leadership examining the potential of AI and the necessary considerations for its successful adoption. The course includes current data and AI-related policies, initiatives, efforts and practices in the DoD and industry, emphasizing the importance of effective data management. The course, offered in a DoD-centric environment, consists of curated content presented by subject matter experts through interactive instruction and discussion, small group problem-solving exercises, and current use cases. The application-based approach will improve the capability and readiness of commands and organizations with respect to using and leveraging AI and ML techniques, technologies, and systems.

The Maritime Risk Symposium is an annual 2½ day conference in which government and maritime industry leaders, port representatives, researchers, and solution providers convene to examine current and emerging threats to maritime security. Maritime security is increasingly at risk during the current period of great-power competition and ongoing conflicts, especially in the Grey Zone. The maritime industry now finds itself at the center of attention for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Merchant Marine, inter-agency coordination, state and local governments, and international stakeholders. Our shared goal: Building unity of purpose to achieve unity of effort.

Local host: NPS Naval Warfare Studies Institute (NWSI) https://nps.edu/web/nwsi

Web link: https://www.maritimerisksymposium.org