Welcoming Astronaut CAPT Glover to my Lab

On June 17, 2026, I had the honor of welcoming U.S. Navy Capt. Victor Glover to my lab in the Department of Systems Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Captain Glover was visiting NPS in connection with the Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture Series. The previous afternoon, he had spoken to the NPS community during a presentation titled «From Monterey to the Moon». His visit was especially meaningful because it represented a return to his academic roots. Captain Glover graduated from NPS in 2009 with a Master of Science in Systems Engineering in our Department.

(Photo: Thatcher Banh)

During his visit to our lab, students had the opportunity to introduce Captain Glover to their very down to earth research on autonomous, unmanned surface vessels. Their work explores several aspects of digital twins, autonomous behaviors, and payload delivery mechanisms.

The student presentations offered a glimpse into how systems engineering research can contribute to the development of future maritime capabilities. They also gave the students an unusual and memorable opportunity to explain their work to someone whose career has spanned naval aviation, flight testing, advanced engineering, and human spaceflight.

(Photo: Thatcher Banh)

It was inspiring to see how he engaged with the students and showed genuine interest in their work about their autonomous unmanned surface vessels.

What stood out most to me was the effect his visit had on several of our students. For them, Captain Glover was more than a distinguished visitor. He was a tangible example of where technical curiosity, service, persistence, and lifelong learning can lead.

(Photo: Thatcher Banh)

The visit also included a uniquely meaningful moment for our department. Captain Glover signed a framed departmental challenge coin that he had previously taken with him into space. The signed display now serves as a remarkable link between the Department of Systems Engineering, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the extraordinary journey of one of our alumni.

(Photo: Thatcher Banh)

For me, the visit was also a reminder of the importance of connecting students with people who can expand their sense of what is possible. CAPT Glover’s career demonstrates that systems engineering is such an important discipline with multiple career opportunities. His return to NPS brought that connection directly into our lab and gave our students an experience that many of them will remember for years to come.

I am grateful that we had the opportunity to welcome Captain Glover to HyDRA Lab, share some of our students’ research, and celebrate the enduring connection between NPS education and the pursuit of ambitious missions.

____

(Cover Photo: Thatcher Banh)