Inspiring Workforce

Concept:

Two students work under two University of Nebraska (NU) professors (all under a National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) task order) over 52 weeks to support an AFLCMC database transition effort. During the academic year, an average of 12 hours per week is expected; however workload may be adjusted from 0-24 hours per week, pending on academic loads and holiday breaks. Over a twelve-week period in the summer, the students will be expected to work 40 hours per week. In all, approximately 900 hours are authorized over the one-year period of performance.

Logistics:

Students will be required to be eligible for, submit for, and subsequently obtain a DoD Security Clearance (which is expected to take six months).  A student not living in Omaha (e.g., UNL or UNK student) will be able to perform a significant portion of the work remotely for the first six months; all classified work must be accomplished in-person at Offutt AFB.  Lodging during the summer is available in Omaha at a discounted rate in vacant dormitories associated with the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Background:

Data is the life blood of analysis and planning. As application software evolves, how it consumes and creates data is also constantly changing.  For modern software to perform optimally, the underlying data architecture must also be optimized.  For ten weeks in the summer of 2023, a team of NSRI interns demonstrated the unique benefits of this concept by using Neo4J software and graph databases to perform resource optimization analysis.

Task:

As a follow-on to this proof of concept, AFLCMC recently funded and tasked NSRI to apply this approach on some of its planning systems over the next year, beginning in September 2024. In this effort, students will work under the guidance of AFLCMC and NSRI to evaluate legacy data structures, uses, and propose updated models.  Key aspects to be evaluated include data integrity, synchronization, distribution, and maintenance.

Objectives:

1. Evaluate existing data structures and uses
2. Develop modern and segmented data architecture to replace legacy structure
3. Evaluate data distribution tools to support data transfer

Problem Description:

As computing power and logics have evolved so have the methodologies for data storage and structures.  In order to ensure a resilient and modern strategic deterrent capability for the United States, USSTRATCOM regularly seeks to upgrade and refine its computing capability. As planning tools and computing hardware change and evolve, so must the required data structures and storage capabilities. Given the robust nature of USSTRATCOM’s mission, its planning systems consume large amounts of data, both in a historical and present context.  Maintaining, updating, using, and transferring this data is a large undertaking. Of significant concern is the ability to ensure data is available for operational use across a diverse user community.  This includes ensuring that data is updated and synchronized in a manner that allows users in different locations to use the most current data, which subsequently ensures military leaders can make critical decisions. 

In recent years, data structures have become more specialized, allowing for even faster computing and analysis.  Considering machine learning and artificial intelligence advances, modernizing data structures becomes even more important for optimizing performance, leveraging next-generation computing capabilities.

This research project will investigate current data structures, use cases and hardware.  Working as a team, students will recommend improvements to database structures that will optimize performance and analysis.  Additionally, students will look at various tools and research problems that will be identified by the NSRI primary research team prior to the start of this effort.  Students will work with mentors from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) team for context and support. At the conclusion of the project, students will brief senior leaders from AFLCMC and USSTRATCOM on their findings.

Research Questions:

• What is the current database structure and its uses?
• How should the existing data structure be updated to optimize operations and planning?
• How can we develop plans/processes to conduct the transition of the old data structure to the new design?
• How can data integrity and availability be ensured across all locations?

Projected Deliverables:

1. Out-brief on findings of the study to USSTRATCOM leadership
2. A comparative analysis paper on all recommendations and evaluations of data structures and tools

Requirements:

• Citizen of the United States
• Majors aligned to data science (i.e., Data Analytics, Business Administration w/ a specialization in Business Analytics, Mathematics w/ a specialization in data, etc.)
• Minimum 3.5 GPA
• Current University of Nebraska (NU) student
• Current standing in school: Junior or above

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