Assuring the U.S. Department of Defense a Strong Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce (2012) / Chapter Skim
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2 Emerging Science and Technology Fields
2 Emerging Science and Technology Fields
Pages 23-36
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From page 23... ...
The potential for increased innovation in capabilities is substantial. A few key areas highlight potential opportunities for advancing critical capabilities: data mining, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and communications technology.
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From page 24... ...
It is in the interest of the military that the civilian STEM workforce be knowledgeable about the best information assurance techniques. Cybersecurity research challenges include ensuring the integrity of data, controlling access to sensitive information, making data accessible when needed, protecting privacy, preventing intrusion, preventing access to data that is unencrypted while it is being processed, and managing degraded information systems to effectively serve priority mission needs.
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From page 25... ...
Clouds provide a centralized information infrastructure that offers distributed access, making assured cyber protection even more vital. Security issues include controlling access to sensitive data, segregating data, insuring privacy and data integrity (including during data processing)
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Such ISR support will continue to be a major mission in future conflicts; this particular application will be facilitated by improved data mining technology. 2DOD maintains a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund (JUONF)
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Enhancing the duration of continuous autonomous systems requires advances in energy storage and power generation, from higher-capacity batteries to more efficient combustion engines. Commercial industry is pushing for many similar advances.
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. For evaluating the potential of systems biology to advance DOD capabilities, the discussion below is presented in three parts: (1)
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From page 29... ...
Systems biology at the level of the individual human has numerous other implications. In particular, understanding the cognitive process is leading to more effective training, new technologies for the man-machine interface that will be critical for utilizing robots and autonomous systems, improved information processing and decision making, and the possibility of human performance enhancement.
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From page 30... ...
Examples include nanowire-based batteries and electrochemical cells exhibiting higher energy densities and improved cycling without degradation; nanoscale materials for catalysis; nextgeneration thermoelectric materials taking advantage of modifications in phonon transport at the nanoscale; and photovoltaic materials in which the optical and electronic properties of materials and devices better overlap with the solar spectrum to increase efficiency (Atwater and Polman, 2010; Chan et al., 2008; Li and Somorjai, 2010)
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From page 31... ...
Continued R&D is required for advanced synthesis and materials processing, first-principles simulations, and the atomic/nanoscale probing of the first steps in damage/crack/defect formation and of processes at interfaces. Studies of the interactions between light and materials are relevant to technological applications ranging from information storage and communications technology to directed-energy weapons and advanced imaging.
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From page 32... ...
industrial base and to education in manufacturing and industrial engineering to develop a workforce capable of realizing the value of these innovations. Direct Manufacturing Rapid direct manufacturing processes enable the production of parts from the ground up, adding new material from scratch in a step-by-step process instead of starting with a solid block and machining some of the material away.
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From page 33... ...
In addressing DOD skill needs for other information technology areas, both the DOD and defense contractors require teams of scientists and engineers with advanced knowledge in a range of fields plus the ability to integrate new information from those fields. For instance, applications of data mining may require individuals who are trained in computer science, data mining, linguistics, statistical analysis, cultural anthropology, and optical physics.
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From page 34... ...
Advances in DOD capabilities in information technology, microelectronics, nanomaterials, systems biology, and direct manufacturing are critical to creating effective and affordable military systems. The potential for autonomous systems, microscale systems, efficient energy supplies, and improved human performance will demand input from a variety of STEM disciplines.
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From page 35... ...
Data collection, data translation, data mining, cybersecurity, and data manipulation for correct interpretation of increasing amounts of information require expertise not only in the understanding of physical sensors and advanced computing software and platforms but also expertise in linguistics and a deep understanding of local cultural nuances. Consistent with the most recent national security policy documents, the United States especially needs to increase its ability to operate in the Asian/Pacific theater.
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From page 36... ...
; human-machine interactions on human terms; means to detect and neutralize biothreats; military applications of the biosciences (systems biology, biosensors, etc.) ; military applications of the information sciences; and nanotechnology (for innovative materials and other applications)
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