The United States’ global leadership in science and technology depends on sustained federal investment in engineering research and education. With that message, Krish Roy, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering at Vanderbilt University, joined fellow Tennessee engineering leaders on Capitol Hill to underscore the importance of funding for agencies that power innovation and workforce development.
Roy traveled to Washington, D.C., in February for the annual American Society for Engineering Education Hill Day. He joined colleagues from Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the University of Memphis and Tennessee Technological University.
During the visit, Roy met with Tennessee lawmakers to advocate for continued federal support for engineering research and education programs that drive discovery, strengthen the workforce and fuel U.S. competitiveness.
“Engineering is central to developing impactful solutions to society’s greatest challenges—from human health and energy innovation to national security and space exploration,” Roy said. “Our federal agencies play a critical role in ensuring America remains the world’s technology leader.”
Advocating for sustained federal investment
Roy met with staff members from the offices of Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., BA’81, JD’84, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn., and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., BA’71. He also met directly with Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., JD '93, and Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.
In those conversations, Roy emphasized Vanderbilt’s role in training future engineers and advancing research that serves the nation’s needs. He urged lawmakers to continue supporting federal investment in engineering research and education through the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
"Vanderbilt is dedicated to preparing current and future students at all levels to become technology leaders across industry, government, academia and beyond," Roy said. “These are the change-makers who will turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs."
Showcasing Vanderbilt partnerships and research
Discussions highlighted Vanderbilt’s collaboration with the U.S. Army through the Pathfinder Program, a partnership that brings researchers and soldiers together to co-design solutions to real-world challenges.
Roy pointed to Vanderbilt’s expanding efforts in quantum research, including the Institute for Quantum Innovation in partnership with EPB of Chattanooga. Sustained federal investment, he explained, will help universities train students, develop new technologies and ensure the United States remains competitive in quantum science.
Supporting the next generation of engineers
Dean Roy also emphasized the importance of federal fellowships, including National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship program.
These programs prepare students for high-impact careers in research, industry and national security at a time when demand for engineers and technology professionals continues to grow in Tennessee and nationwide. Federal investments in education and research help universities strengthen the STEM talent pipeline and meet workforce needs.
“When Dean Roy speaks with lawmakers, he brings the full scope of Vanderbilt’s engineering enterprise to the conversation,” said Heather Bloemhard, director of federal relations. “The Office of Federal Relations builds and sustains the relationships that make those conversations possible and ensures Vanderbilt’s priorities are part of the policy discussion.”
The visit was organized and led by Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations, which coordinates the university’s engagement with federal policymakers and aligns advocacy efforts with institutional priorities.
To learn more about Vanderbilt’s federal advocacy efforts, visit the Office of Federal Relations website.