New Memorandum of Understanding Announced by Aruna Miller's Administration with NASA

June 1 :
The Maryland Department of Commerce has inked a new memorandum of understanding with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). This announcement was made by the Maryland administration, which includes Indian-American Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Governor Wes Moore.

The Goddard region in Greenbelt and the Lower Eastern Shore, close to the Wallops Flight Facility rocket launch site, are the primary targets of this three-year agreement that seeks to strengthen Maryland's aerospace industry. Efforts to foster technology transfer, STEM education, aerospace industry development, community engagement, and partnership will be coordinated between the Maryland Department of Commerce and NASA Goddard under the terms of the memorandum.

Funding opportunities such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programmes will be promoted through this partnership. These monies help finance the launch and expansion of new space-related companies, stimulate growth in the areas surrounding the two NASA sites, and add to a report that examines the financial effects of Goddard on Maryland.

Following the signing, Miller presided over a collaborative workshop to address the workforce needs of Maryland's aerospace sector. The event was attended by representatives from Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as other educational institutions and business elite.

According to Aruna Miller, this agreement shows our dedication to working together to improve STEM education equity for Marylanders and accelerate innovation. Our state can better meet the demands of the modern workforce and increase its competitiveness if the government, businesses, and schools all work together. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) funding ensures a bright future for Maryland.

Miller made history as the first immigrant and woman of colour to be elected to statewide office in Maryland. She was also the second woman to serve as Maryland's lieutenant governor.

In her role as head of the first Council on Interfaith Outreach in Maryland, she has brought together religious leaders from throughout the state to work towards common goals such as greater religious tolerance, the elimination of bigotry, and the improvement of services for all residents. Miller graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a BS in civil engineering.