MSU partners with DoD SkillBridge program to give military members experience in university research

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Mississippi State is partnering the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, offering active military members the chance to explore careers in research at MSU.


Mississippi State is now an official partner of the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, offering active military members a chance to explore post-military careers at the university’s research centers and institutes.

The SkillBridge program grants active service members the opportunity to spend up to 180 days working and learning in civilian career areas related to military work experience at employers like MSU, helping to bridge the transition to civilian life. Michael Navicky, who went through the SkillBridge program when retiring from the U.S. Air Force, serves as the primary point of contact for MSU’s SkillBridge partnership.

“Our research centers and institutes already work closely with Department of Defense partners on research that is focused on national security priorities,” said Navicky, director of MSU’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory. “We are excited to offer this opportunity for individuals exploring their next steps following active duty service.”

At MSU, SkillBridge participants will be introduced to the numerous university research centers and institutes, as well as gain an understanding of MSU’s multidisciplinary approach to research. Upon completion of the internship, participants can explore and be evaluated for job opportunities. In addition to programs based on the Starkville campus, MSU is offering a SkillBridge program in Biloxi as part of the Mississippi Cyber Initiative.

Program applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, pass a background check, and receive written authorization and approval from their chain of command. Preference will be given to degrees and backgrounds that align with MSU’s numerous research focus areas.

For more information about the DoD SkillBridge program, visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil/program-overview.htm. For questions about the program at MSU, contact Navicky at navicky@hpc.msstate.edu. For MSU’s SkillBridge program in Biloxi, contact Martin Rivera, Mississippi Cyber Initiative technical manager at mrivera@research.msstate.edu.

For more on research at MSU, visit www.research.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

Aspen Harris | Office of Public Affairs


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