The Louisiana Tech Research Institute announced on May 8 that it hosted a signing day for the Air Force Global Strike Command National Security Fellowship, highlighting Louisiana Tech University students chosen to support research and innovation in military operations.
The National Security Fellowship program is a joint initiative involving the Air Force Global Strike Command, Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation, and the Cyber Innovation Center. The program offers undergraduate and graduate students in Northeast Louisiana opportunities to learn about national security while contributing to local economic growth.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, fellows from Louisiana Tech will collaborate with Barksdale Air Force Base and exchange ideas with peers from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology working at Ellsworth Air Force Base. “This year will be the first time the program has expanded beyond Northwest Louisiana,” Warren Ward, LTRI chief of staff and LTARC CEO, said. “While the LTRI team will provide administrative program oversight, our mentorship includes periodic opportunities to learn about the U.S. national security structure, AFGSC, and to hear about historic airpower accomplishments.”
Students expressed enthusiasm for participating in projects that could directly impact military personnel. “As a member of ROTC, it’s exciting to work with individuals who are in active duty and creating products that will be used in the future,” Drew McKee, Mechanical Engineering major, said. “This opportunity really makes me hone in on my engineering degree.” Xavier Session, another Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Technical Writing, said: “The fellowship program gives us opportunities to create something new. Building a project from start to finish and having the military potentially use a product I helped create is extremely gratifying.” Caleb Davis, Computer Science major added: “The projects are understandably kept confidential, but networking with the military and the companies involved makes me look forward to what’s ahead.” Hannah Hutson, Sport and Exercise Psychology master’s student stated: “My work centers on how to use your mind in high-pressure situations, so the opportunity to work with military personnel is especially meaningful given my military family background. I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and explore how my major can go beyond an athletic background.”
Ward said participants would develop skills related to innovation and resilience while solving real-world problems under guidance from uniformed Airmen and civil servants: “Through this program, the fellows emerge with a strong appreciation of national defense,” Ward added. “They will gain experience solving real-world problems under the guidance of uniformed Airmen and civil servants. They will also have the opportunity to formally brief senior AFGSC officials. These individuals will be highly competitive for careers in the U.S. government and defense industries.”
Recruitment for next year’s fellowship opens in September 2026.
