Workforce
Training the next generation of energetics researchers
The energetics community has a workforce problem older than most of its principal investigators: experienced practitioners are retiring faster than they can be replaced. CECD's workforce program is a deliberate response. Graduate research, short courses, certificates, and internships that close the gap.
Graduate program
Funded research assistantships
Short courses
Annual training cohorts
Internships
DoD & national-lab placements
Certificates
Professional credentialing
A coherent pipeline from classroom to capability
Every CECD trainee gets the same combination: serious technical foundations, meaningful project ownership, and direct exposure to the community of sponsors, labs, and industry partners who will hire them.
Doctoral research
Funded PhD positions in mechanics, chemistry, computational science, and materials, all energetic-materials-adjacent.
Masters research
Two-year MS programs tied to active sponsored projects.
Short courses
Concentrated week-long courses on energetic materials chemistry, shock physics, and computational methods.
Internships
Summer placements at ARL, NSWC, Sandia, and industry partners. Coordinated through CECD.
Postdoctoral
Sponsor-funded postdoctoral fellowships with co-mentorship across CECD and partner laboratories.
K-12 outreach
Programs that connect Maryland teachers and students to working energetics scientists.
Apply or inquire
Prospective students should email the center with a CV and statement of interest. Industry partners interested in custom training: we contract short courses on request.