The Louisiana Tech Research Institute (LTRI) hosted a signing day for the Air Force Global Strike Command National Security Fellowship on April 15, 2026. The signing showcased Louisiana Tech University students who were selected to aid in research and innovation for military operations.
The National Security Fellowship program is a collaborative effort between the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC), and the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC). The program provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across Northeast Louisiana as they learn the importance of the military and national security while working to grow the local economy.
The 2026-2027 academic year will be the start of Louisiana Tech fellows, working on projects with the Barksdale AFB, to meet and exchange ideas with students from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology who will be working on projects at Ellsworth AFB.
“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.”
For some of the fellowship recipients, the program is a great opportunity to research and create products during their studies at Louisiana Tech that military personnel can use.
“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.”
“The fellowship program gives us opportunities to create something new,” Xavier Session, Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Technical Writing, said. “Building a project from start to finish and having the military potentially use a product I helped create is extremely gratifying.”
Though the projects have not yet started, students are already recognizing the significance of the work and opportunities ahead.
“The projects are understandably kept confidential, but networking with the military and the companies involved makes me look forward to what’s ahead,” Caleb Davis, Computer Science major, said.
“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,” Hannah Hutson, Sport and Exercise Psychology master’s student, said. “I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and explore how my major can go beyond an athletic background.”
Students will gain a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strategic deterrence through their efforts by fostering a dynamic of problem-solving and resilience in the face of challenges.
“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.”
Recruiting for the program opens up in September 2026. For more information, visit LTRI’s webpage or email Sharon Jackson at sharonj@latech.edu.