From Learning to Lethality: Accelerating Technological Leadership Through Warfighter Education

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM PT

Location: Operations in Focus Stage - Sails Pavilion

Sponsored By

Confirmed Moderator(s)

VADM Ann Rondeau, USN (Ret.)

President
Naval Postgraduate School

Confirmed Speaker(s)

RADM Christopher Alexander, USN

Special Assistant to the Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
CDR Jens Berdahl, USN

PhD Candidate
Naval Postgraduate School
Rob Lehman

Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Saronic Technologies
VADM Michael J. Vernazza, USN

Commander
Naval Information Forces

The Navy’s modernization depends not only on innovation and acquiring new technologies, but on intellectual advantage enabled by deeply understanding the technologies transforming warfare. This panel examines how defense-focused warfighter education and hands-on applied research can accelerate the development and application of emerging technologies: from AI to directed energy, hypersonics to autonomy, and additive manufacturing to space systems. Panelists will discuss how advanced education has/can shape innovation pathways across the Naval enterprise to enhance lethality, readiness, resiliency, and decisive advantage for the Fleet.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of the new intellectual advantage required for modern conflict.
Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of why education is the foundation for innovation.
Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of how warfighter education and applied research with industry can focus and accelerate research into innovative applications.