The Alabama Collaborative for Contemporary Education in Precision Timing (ACCEPT)

The ACCEPT Program is a NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program designed to train the next generation of graduate (MS and PhD) degree holders in Positioning, Navigation, Timing and Frequency.
This interdisciplinary traineeship includes holistic training for physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science majors, including flexible multidisciplinary course curricula, professional development, and real-world training with our industry and government partners.
M.S. and PhD Students Welcome
$34,000 Yearly Stipend for ACCEPT Fellows
Interdisciplinary Cohort Programs
Internships with Government Agencies and Corporate Partners

Explore the Program

What is Precision Time and Frequency?

Highly precise time and frequency sources (e.g. atomic clocks) control nearly every technology in modern society. GPS, national security, telecommunications/internet, electrical grids, and financial sectors depend on accurate, secure time and frequency streams and the ability to disseminate them.  The work requires an interdisciplinary background encompassing physics, mathematics, and engineering disciplines.

The Problem. While there is strong demand and high pay for trained Positioning, Navigation, Timing, and Frequency (PNTF) talent, few training programs exist to teach the underlying principles in a focused, holistic program.

The Solution. ACCEPT is funded by the National Science Foundation, with a mission to train students in applied PNTF technologies and guide them to high-paying positions in government and industry. Our program faculty build on a multidisciplinary curriculum with interdisciplinary research projects involving multiple department research groups. ACCEPT trainees are provided targeted training and summer internships, and direct access to corporate and government partners who are actively hiring.

​National Impact: Your work will reverberate across industries and safeguard critical sectors: defense, communications, transportation, energy, and finance. Technologies rooted in precision timing are an essential pillar of national security and a major driver ($11T/year) of the US economy.
  • Cutting-Edge Education: Our holistic traineeship combines interdisciplinary coursework, professional development and industry/government immersion experiences to build versatile STEM leaders.
  • Designed Around You: Individual programs are tailored with industry and government partner feedback to guarantee the right skill set for success.
  • Financial Empowerment: ACCEPT fellows receive full tuition coverage, student health insurance, and a substantial $34,000 annual stipend.
  • An Unparalleled Network. Partner with giants in the field. Access job opportunities and enrich your network with external advisory board experts from:

Your Journey

Interdisciplinary Excellence: Physics, mathematics, and electrical, computer, aerospace, and civil engineering are represented in coursework and research.

Hands-On Experience: Gain hands-on exposure through practical immersion, seminars, and world-class research internships, equipping you to excel in the real-world challenges of the field.

Leadership & Ethics: Develop not only technical prowess but also critical soft skills—communication, teamwork, ethics, and leadership.

Unparalleled Network: Network at conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects with industry partners, enhancing your visibility and forging lasting connections.
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External Advisory Board

Government Agencies
  • Dr. Jenna Chan, Army Research Laboratory
  • Dr. Kimberly Frey, Air Force Research Laboratory - Space Vehicles Directorate
  • Dr. Bryan Hemingway, Research Physicist, U.S. Naval Observatory
  • Dr. lin Yi, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
  • Dr. Jeffrey Sherman, Supervisory Physicist, National Institute of Standards and Technology – Boulder, CO
  • Mr. Ernest Wong, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) 
  • Dr. Nan Yu, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Industrial and FFRDC Leaders
  • Dr. Franklin Ascarrunz, SpectraDynamics
  • Dr. James Camparo, Aerospace Corporation
  • Mr. Jeffrey J. Darland, Raytheon Technologies
  • Mr. Greg Dowd, Microchip Technologies, Inc
  • Mr. Dana A. Goward, Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation
  • Dr. John P. Janis, L3Harris Technologies
  • Dr. Lute Maleki, OEWaves, Inc
  • Mr. Bryan Owings, Microchip Technologies, Inc
  • Dr. Ramki Ramakrishnan, Safran S.A.
  • Dr. Stefania Romisch, Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Mr. Ankur Sharma, Equinix
  • Dr. David Sohn, Safran S.A,​