Local Non-Profit Recognizes its Employer and School Partners

April 28, 2026 

Dayton, OH: After 30 years, the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) continues to strengthen Ohio’s position in advanced aerospace research through the Defense Associated Graduate Student Innovators (DAGSI) program. The AFRL/DAGSI Ohio Student-Faculty Competitive Research Fellowship Program, funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, is open to all eligible Ohio universities, creating expanded access to high-impact research partnerships across the state.

The fellowship program connects graduate students and faculty directly with researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Through this collaboration, student-faculty teams engage in applied research aligned with national defense priorities and Ohio’s growing innovation economy. Participants gain hands-on experience working alongside AFRL scientists and engineers, contributing to real-world aerospace challenges while accessing advanced research facilities and resources. The program is designed to support meaningful collaboration that bridges academic research and federal innovation priorities.

 SOCHE President, Cassie Barlow

“We are grateful for the strong partnerships with universities, faculty, and research collaborators across Ohio who advance the DAGSI program and support graduate students in meaningful, applied research experiences. We are proud to highlight our research and academic champions whose commitment to innovation, collaboration, and discovery is helping to develop highly skilled engineering talent and strengthen Ohio’s future workforce.”

The DAGSI Competitive Fellowship Program is built around a set of focused objectives that drive both research impact and workforce development:

● Increase involvement by Ohio students and faculty in aerospace research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

● Build stronger ties between Ohio’s research institutions and the Air Force

● Strengthening collaboration between Ohio universities and AFRL

● Develop a pipeline of highly skilled talent aligned with Ohio’s technology and defense sectors

 

These efforts position Ohio as a leader in aerospace innovation while creating clear pathways for students and faculty to contribute to mission-driven research.

SOCHE has announced that the 2026 DAGSI Fellowship Award Recipients are now available on the SOCHE website. These awards highlight the breadth of research taking place across Ohio institutions and reflect the continued growth of university participation in the program. By expanding eligibility to all Ohio universities and leveraging statewide support, the DAGSI Competitive Fellowship Program continues to increase access, deepen partnerships, and accelerate research that benefits both national defense and Ohio’s economy. For more information about the DAGSI program, eligibility, and to view the 2026 fellowship awards, visit the SOCHE website.

 

Throughout the year, SOCHE partners with 32 colleges and universities, K–12 districts, and industry leaders to strengthen alignment between education, research, and workforce needs across the Dayton region. Complementing this effort, SOCHE provides Workforce Strategy and Consulting to help employers, education partners, and regional stakeholders align talent pipelines with high-demand industries, including defense and advanced technology. By integrating research collaboration with workforce strategy, SOCHE supports a more connected ecosystem, one that accelerates innovation, expands opportunities for students and faculty, and strengthens Ohio’s position in critical technology sectors. www.soche.org.

 

Congratulations to the individuals whose contributions helped make the DAGSI Fellowship Awards a success. Your mentorship, guidance, and commitment to strengthening Ohio’s economic future, by building intellectual capacity in technology and developing a strong engineering talent pipeline, are truly valued. 

For more information, please contact soche@soche.org. 

Today’s interns are tomorrow’s workforce!