The Maryland administration, which includes Indian-American Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Governor Wes Moore, announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has signed a new memorandum of understanding with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).
This three-year agreement aims to bolster the aerospace economy in Maryland, focusing on the area around Goddard in Greenbelt and the Lower Eastern Shore near the Wallops Flight Facility rocket launch site.
Under the memorandum, the Maryland Department of Commerce and NASA Goddard will work together to advance technology transfer, STEM education, aerospace industry development, and community outreach.
This collaboration will include raising awareness about resources like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. These funds support the creation and growth of new space-related businesses, drive economic development around the two NASA facilities, and contribute to a report analyzing Goddard’s economic impact in Maryland.
The signing was followed by a joint workshop on Maryland’s aerospace industry workforce needs, led by Miller, and attended by Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other education stakeholders, and industry leaders.
“This agreement will allow us to advance innovation and increase equitable access to STEM education for Marylanders, and it reflects our commitment to doing so in partnership,” said Aruna Miller. “By bringing together government, industry, and education, we have what it takes to prepare for the workforce needs of our time, making our state more competitive in the process. An investment in STEM is an investment in Maryland’s future.”
Miller holds the distinction of being Maryland's 10th Lieutenant Governor, the second woman to serve in the position, and notably the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland.
She also serves as the chair of Maryland’s inaugural Council on Interfaith Outreach, bringing together faith leaders from various religions and regions within the state to foster unity, enhance religious tolerance, combat hatred, and improve services for all communities.
Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.
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