Facilitating HBCU Engagement in Advanced Manufacturing

Dr. Cadavious Jones has been instrumental in promoting the involvement of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Manufacturing USA initiative. This significant national effort, aimed at advancing manufacturing research and education, has been active since 2012, with over $1 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, complemented by over $2 billion in matching funds from business and industry.

Despite this robust investment, there has been a notable absence of HBCU participation in the 14 institutes under the Manufacturing USA network. Dr. Jones, recognizing the need for a more inclusive approach, has been a strong advocate for HBCUs to play a more substantial role in this initiative.

In November 2019, Dr. Jones participated in a pivotal workshop held at the NSF Headquarters in Alexandria, VA. This event, convened by Morgan State University, aimed to bridge the gap between HBCUs and the Manufacturing USA institutes. By engaging with faculty from various institutions, Dr. Jones facilitated the exchange of knowledge and collaboration between HBCU faculty, scientists, and engineers involved in advanced manufacturing.

At this event, Dr. Jones presented on "Building a Culture of Engineering through Manufacturing and Active Learning," co-authored with Huang, H. and Dean, D. This presentation highlighted innovative strategies to integrate manufacturing and active learning into engineering education, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture that fosters engineering skills and knowledge from an early stage.

The workshop also featured high-profile speakers such as Senator Chris Coons, Representative Haley Stevens, and Jason Miller from Greater Washington Partnerships, who emphasized the importance of integrating HBCUs into the national advanced manufacturing landscape.

Dr. Jones' efforts have not only raised awareness about the critical role of HBCUs in advanced manufacturing but have also laid the groundwork for increased HBCU student participation in advanced manufacturing R&D and STEM graduate programs. His leadership in this initiative is poised to catalyze cutting-edge research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, ensuring a more diverse and skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing for the future.