ODU Virginia Modeling, Analysis, & Simulation Center - VMASC

We’ve had a productive day at the National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA) Capitol Hill M&S Expo, connecting with congressional leaders, federal partners and industry stakeholders to showcase how VMASC is advancing modeling and simulation in support of national priorities.

We were honored to welcome Congressman Bobby Scott, a longtime advocate for modeling and simulation and its impact on national defense, healthcare, education and workforce development. It was a pleasure to share updates on VMASC's latest research and technology initiatives.

A special thank you to NTSA President VADM (Ret) Sean Buck and all the NTSA staff for organizing this outstanding event that brings together government, academia and industry to strengthen collaboration and innovation.

We look forward to continuing these conversations at MODSIM World 2026, August 18–20 in Alexandria, Virginia. We hope to see you there!

We're at the National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA) Capitol Hill M&S Expo in Washington D.C. today to connect with Congressional leaders and showcase how VMASC is building the tools and simulations that make training realistic, repeatable and ready for the field.

Representatives from several Old Dominion University Division of Research and Economic Development research centers are also here to talk about how their researchers are advancing technologies in spectrum management, AI, cybersecurity, defense, and digital engineering.

We look forward to sharing ideas, building new partnerships and demonstrating how research is making an impact on lives and solving real-world challenges.

Innovation Never Stops!

As we celebrate Independence Day this year, we are celebrating a historic milestone, America's 250th anniversary!

For 250 years, innovation, resilience and the pursuit of opportunity have shaped our nation's story. This Fourth of July, we honor those who came before us, celebrate the communities that continue to strengthen our country, and look forward to the future we will build together.

From all of the ODU OERI research centers, Happy 250th Independence Day, America!

Support from an Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR) grant that was awarded in early April has enabled researchers to advance innovative applications of quantum computing in weather prediction, leading to national recognition of their work.

Andrew Maciejunes (ODU Virginia Modeling, Analysis, & Simulation Center - VMASC / Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems), Dr. Ross Gore (Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems), Dr. Arkaitz Bilbao (ODU College of Sciences) and Professor Tal Ezer (Ocean & Earth Sciences at Old Dominion University) have been working on exploring quantum-enhanced machine learning for hurricane rapid intensification prediction, with assistance from the ICAR Coastal Adaptation & Resilience Multidisciplinary Action (CARMA) grant. CARMA grants are seed funding opportunities for applied coastal resilience or adaptation research that involves co-production with communities. This grant award was funded from ICAR's Joan P. Brock endowment.

The team's work has been accepted as a contributed talk at the US CLIVAR Workshop on Quantum Computing and Sensing for Weather and Climate Applications in Boulder, CO this August!

The approach is grounded in a framework called Learning Under Quantum Privileged Information (LUQPI). The key insight: a quantum computer is used only during training as a feature extractor, then is completely absent at deployment. The classical model learns richer decision boundaries from quantum-derived features — but runs entirely on classical hardware in the field. They apply this using classical shadow protocols to generate quantum privileged features from atmospheric data, improving forecast skill without requiring quantum hardware in operational settings.

This positions the team well for future National Science Foundation (NSF) funding opportunities in coastal resilience — an area where better hurricane forecasting and oceanographic modeling can have real impact for vulnerable communities.

Stay tuned for updates from Boulder this August!

In memory of many, in honor of all.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) and Alliance Solutions Group, Inc. are partnering under the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Exercise Contract (CTR046764) to offer Virginia agencies streamlined access to all‑hazards exercises tailored to local plans, procedures, and risks.

This collaboration combines VMASC’s modeling, simulation, and data analysis with Alliance Solutions Group’s seasoned emergency management expertise so agencies can strengthen coordination and turn complex data into decisions in critical moments.

See the flyer below for more information!

Yesterday, VMASC Interim Executive Director Dr. Barry Ezell brought our team together for an All-Hands meeting focused on momentum, mission, and disciplined growth. As Old Dominion University's modeling and simulation center of excellence, VMASC is moving forward from a strong base of funded defense research in spectrum, LVC, AI, and more.

Dr. Ezell shared how Spectrum Advanced Training Technology Laboratory - SATTL serves as a strategic anchor, connecting our capabilities to real operational challenges and helping VMASC grow into a resilient, long-term partner for our sponsors and community. He also underscored that “it’s a new day with the VMASC Industry Association,” as we work even more closely with industry as part of our growth model.

We were proud to celebrate Project Scientist Dr. Rafi Soule, who recently completed her PhD and will be heading to Washington, D.C. for new opportunities. Thank you, Rafi, for your hard work and impact at VMASC—we are excited to see what you do next!

Great energy and collaboration at yesterday's VIA Annual Meeting!

The group heard from Dr. Kenneth Fridley, Vice President for Research & Economic Development at Old Dominion University, who shared the university’s strategic vision for achieving national and global impact through key research thrust areas, many of which align closely with the work of ODU Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation's centers.

We were excited to hear from several Executive Directors representing OERI centers, who shared highlights of their impactful work and the continued progress being made across their programs. Their presentations showcased the innovation and dedication driving meaningful change in our communities, while strongly aligning with ODU's strategic research areas.

Dr. Barry Ezell, VMASC’s Interim Executive Director, provided an overview of the center, highlighting our current programs and strong momentum while outlining an inspiring vision for the future as VMASC approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027.

VIA Chair, Dr. Johnny Garcia concluded the meeting with information on bylaws and board appointments.

VMASC is looking forward to continuing this important work together!

VMASC at VEMS 2026: Turning Hazard Data into Action: https://vmasc.org/vmasc-at-vems-2026-turning-hazard-data-into-action/ Virginia Department of Emergency Management Old Dominion University