In 2025, Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution student, 2nd Lt. Sydney Davis and her research team at Purdue University, demonstrated the benefits of using steel plate composite (SC) structures for increased protection of Air Force military and civilian assets to distinguished military leaders.

Lt. Davis is researching the performance of SC structures subjected to large blast loads.  SC walls are extremely effective at handling large blast loads and increase protection to structures such as nuclear reactors, protective structures and weapons launch and test facilities.

Additionally, SC walls are more cost effective and efficient to build than reinforced concrete structures that are currently in use.   

For each visit, Lt. Davis presented her research on the missile impact response and performance capability of SC walls and their efficiency in preventing perforation of shrapnel and other large projectiles. 

The Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution student, 2d Lt. Sydney Davis is completing her Master of Science in Civil & Construction Engineering at Purdue University.  In 2025, Lt. Sydney Davis and her research team demonstrated the benefits of using steel plate composite (SC) structures to increase protection of the Air Force’s military and civilian assets to distinguished military leaders.  (Courtesy photo by Purdue University)

“The distinguished military leaders received the research very well and with great excitement to support continued research and future applications of SC structures across the Department of War (DoW).

These visits showcased the active cooperation between US military officers and the civilian and academic workforce to continue to advance DoW capabilities," said Davis.

Lt. Davis obtained her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in May 2024 and commissioned into active duty as a 32E Civil Engineer after graduation. 

She is currently completing her Master of Science in Civil & Construction Engineering at Purdue University’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering and is part of a research group under the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) Infrastructure and Innovation Lab.  

“Within CE, my MS degree specializes in structural engineering, which allows me to gain more knowledge related to why I chose to study CE:  I enjoy building design and appreciate how civil engineers support nearly every other field by providing the specific infrastructure they need. 

It is a very diverse field of engineering because no structure services the exact same needs, leading to an infinite number of project scopes and unique design opportunities,” said Davis.

Since Lt. Davis is pursuing a technical degree that is not directly offered by AFIT, she was approved to pursue a degree through AFIT’s CI Program and chose to attend Purdue University based on their Purdue Military Research Institute (PMRI).

“The partnership between AFIT and our civilian universities, hospitals, industries and other institutions is a force multiplier for our students and the Air and Space Forces.

We get access to world class professionals and state-of-the-art equipment that allows our amazing students to keep the Department of the Air Force at the leading edge of technology that enhances our warfighting capabilities,” said Col. Walter Lesinski, director, Civilian Institution Programs.

AFIT CI is responsible for placing selected Air Force officers, enlisted members, and civilians at accredited civilian universities, hospitals and leading industries to pursue advanced degrees and programs.

For more information about AFIT’s CI Program, please contact: AFIT.CIWorkflow@us.af.mil or visit www.afit.edu/CIP

About AFIT

AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.  AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF. 

AFIT’s vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. 

For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.afit.edu/