USU, WSU Presidents Discuss Space, Defense Collaboration on Latest Podcast Episode

LOGAN, Utah — The 10th episode of Future Casting with Utah State is now out, featuring the president of Weber State University, Brad Mortensen. The episode highlights a collaborative effort to strengthen research and workforce development in the space and defense industries.

Mortensen is the 13th president of WSU and started his tenure in January of 2019. As an Aggie, he holds several degrees, including a bachelor’s from USU and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah.

Throughout the episode, the presidents highlighted the universities’ collaboration with Hill Air Force Base and the needs in materials science, advanced manufacturing and national defense.

"Utah State University and Hill Air Force Base have a unique partnership that prepares students for critical workforce needs in materials science and engineering," Cantwell said. "This collaboration not only provides students with hands-on experience but also supports research in deep-space operations, which is where USU has a real set of efforts through the Space Dynamics Lab."

Mortensen also emphasized the relationship between Weber State and Hill Air Force Base and the demand for engineers and computer scientists in defense.

"It's just been a natural growth for Weber State to work closely at Hill, particularly on the workforce side. They have insatiable demands for engineers and computer scientists," Mortensen said. "Honestly, that's what excites me about this partnership is being able to leverage the expertise and potential that Utah State has with our efforts. I think it will only improve the whole landscape for everyone."

Cantwell and Mortensen also discussed plans for a proposed Space and Defense Research Institute to bring more workforce development with federal research funding.

For more information, listen to Future Casting with Utah State on UPR.org or visit the president’s communications webpage.