McDonnell Participates in Modeling & Simulation Roundtable to Discuss Expansion of Initiatives acros
Applauds ODU/VMASC’s Success in M&S Technology in Hampton Roads
RICHMOND - Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, joined Congressman Randy Forbes in Hampton Roads this week for a roundtable discussion about modeling and simulation (M&S) initiatives at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center. McDonnell was briefed by VMASC, regional, educational and industry leaders, along with state legislators.
Speaking about the exciting possibilities of M&S expansion and the economic impact of the industry, Bob McDonnell remarked, “As Governor, I will ensure that we put Virginia in the vanguard of this technology. We need more cooperation among colleges and universities that already have modeling and simulation programs in place and support further research, development and market applications. These programs can be used in a variety of policy areas outside of government and defense work. Modeling and Simulation can be used in public safety, transportation, education, medical and healthcare, and other areas to study policies and real life situations before they are implemented.”
McDonnell went on to say, “Currently, ODU/VMASC has the only known accredited education pipeline from middle school through the PhD level in the United States for M&S. In fact, the economic impact of M&S on Hampton Roads in 2007 was over $430 million and the average starting salary was over $80,000. We ought to be doing more to expand the regional M&S model state-wide. We need to think outside the box and use the innovative program at ODU/VMASC as a model for what can be accomplished throughout the Commonwealth. Strategically leveraging the combined forces of a state M&S consortium will much better position the state for federal, international funding, leadership opportunities. We can achieve this with more focus on workforce development and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs; I highlighted these proposals in my higher education plan back in May and k-12 plan in August. We know the winners in the economic competition of the future will be those who possess knowledge and skills in the STEM disciplines. Those are the people that will earn high incomes and it’s those communities that will attract the major business investments and research grants. “