SERC Updates – December 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As we close another productive year, all of us at SERC and AIRC are grateful for the many partnerships we share with our government sponsors and throughout academia and industry. We appreciate all the vigorous discussions and encouragement as we work together on solutions to important challenges.
This edition of the SERC Updates highlights research on digital engineering, the fourth iteration of the Defense Data Grand Prix, and the annual report for the Defense Civilian Training Corps. Please also see below about the community of practice for teaching systems engineering that we are developing with the Engineering Society of Systems Scholars. We wish you the warmest holidays, and we look forward to reconvening with you in the new year.
Sincerely,
Dinesh Verma
Executive Director
Research Highlights
Research in Support of The Defense Civilian Training Corps
This annual DCTC report details developments for improving program execution, enhancing scholar readiness and placement, driving long-term workforce value, and refining the program model and sustainability.
Optimized Portfolio Digital Engineering Transformation
Dr. Paul Wach led this digital engineering research in which, “by taking a research path that seeks disruption, we give industry the opportunity to see beyond the horizon.”
Defense Data Grand Prix, Round IV
Cleveland State University won the fourth iteration of AIRC’s Defense Data Grand Prix, meeting a challenge from a new sponsor, the Navy Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Systems Program Office (PMA-266).
Modernizing the DoD Requirements Process
AIRC Deputy Chief Scientist Dr. Doug Buettner led a research team that produced two reports on modernizing the government’s requirements processes for acquiring new warfighting equipment.
The DCTC Digital Library features several of the internship projects completed by scholars in the Defense Civilian Training Corps. These dynamic projects, developed in collaboration with strategic government partners, allowed scholars to focus on real-world challenges, experience mission-focused teamwork, apply critical thinking, and innovate solutions to rapidly field new capabilities for the warfighter.
Events
Coming to you next year, AIRC is proud to announce AIRC Insights, a new channel to share research recommendations with the acquisition community! AIRC Insights will be a virtual interactive session offered every other month, bringing together thought leaders from the government, industry and academia to discuss strategic acquisition transformation topics, such as Policy Test Lab; Mission Engineering Integration Activity (MEIA); Surge Production and Scaling; Workforce Development; and more. Stay tuned for the first session in March 2026!
- INCOSE International Symposium | Submission Deadline: January 2, 2026
- Conference on Systems Engineering Research | April 6-9, 2026 | Arlington, VA
- IEEE SysCon | April 6-9, 2026 | Halifax, Canada
- NPS Acquisition Research Symposium | May 6-7, 2026 | Monterey, CA
- INCOSE International Symposium | June 13-18, 2026 | Yokohama, Japan
AIRC Deputy Chief Scientist Dr. Doug Buettner (center, bottom row) recently spoke on a panel organized by INCOSE and the University of Utah titled “SE + AI: Defining the Future of Engineering.” Watch the recording via the AIRC In the Press section.
Opportunities
SERC and the Engineering Society of Systems Scholars (ESSyS) are partnering on a new initiative for teaching systems engineering in response to an uptick of courses on SE + AI and graduate-level seminars involving the foundations of systems engineering theory. Several instructors have mentioned interest in sharing material and/or getting together to discuss lessons learned. This form aims to collect interest in joining different versions of a community of practice.
The George Washington University Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. This tenure-track search is open to candidates with a systems-centric research and teaching record in systems engineering or a related field. They are particularly interested in candidates who can support a multi-disciplinary initiative in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence that studies AI in the context of the systems and society in which it is deployed.
The Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) is seeking two student editors who are interested in systems engineering, technical communication, and knowledge management. Students will support content, organization and editorial activities; work with experienced editors and authors; gain exposure to professional practice and standards; build writing and research skills; and contribute to a globally recognized knowledge base. To apply, students should email a resume and cover letter to Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nicole Hutchison and Managing Editor Chris Hoffman at sebok@incose.net.
News
AIRC Fellows Karen Thornton and John Willison discussed how the Defense Civilian Training Corps, including these scholars shown above, can address the urgency of transforming the government’s acquisition systems. “The DCTC model develops the critical thinking needed for the adoption of innovative authorities through hands-on team learning, experienced coaching, and exposure to real-world acquisition scenarios that mirror operational pressures, always keeping the warfighter at the center of attention,” they wrote in an article for DefenseScoop.
Congratulations to SERC Chief Scientist Dr. Zoe Szajnfarber of The George Washington University on being named Senior Advisor to the President on AI Strategy. “I want to thank Dr. Szajnfarber for bringing her expertise to this critical leadership role that will help guide the university toward a comprehensive, dynamic and mission-aligned AI strategy,” said GW President Dr. Ellen Granberg said.
As SERC Chief Scientist, Dr. Szajnfarber played a leading role this fall during the sixth annual AI4SE & SE4AI Research and Application Workshop, which SERC organizes with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center. Stayed tuned for the technical report to be released early in 2026.