ASU champions veterans' success and national security
Abilyn Minton, an active-duty Air Force maintenance crew chief, guides an F-35 Lightning II jet fighter into place at Luke Air Force Base in June 2024. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson
Arizona State University has a long history of supporting the military — whether through veteran education, groundbreaking research that improves their well-being, or innovative programs that contribute to national defense. The university is about creating pathways that help those who have served transition successfully into academic and civilian life, giving them the tools and opportunities to thrive.
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This ASU research was possible only because of the longstanding agreement between the U.S. government and America’s research universities.
That agreement provides that universities would not only undertake the research but would also build the necessary infrastructure in exchange for grants that fund both the research and construction cost recovery.
That agreement and all the economic and societal benefits that come from such research have recently been put at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there. ASU is also involved in strengthening national security through strategic military partnerships, innovative defense research and educational programs tailored for all military-affiliated students. By bringing all these efforts together, ASU is making a real impact on both the veteran community and the nation.
Prepping vets for what’s next
Every year, over 200,000 active-duty military members trade their uniforms for civilian attire as they embark on the next chapter of their lives filled with both promise and uncertainty.
The shift from military to civilian life can be daunting as veterans face the challenge of redefining their purpose while navigating an unfamiliar landscape.
That’s where Arizona State University’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center steps in — serving as a beacon of support and guidance for military members throughout the U.S. who dedicated their lives to serving their country and now seek higher education.
“The Pat Tillman Veterans Center continues to see a yearly increase in the number of military-connected students choosing ASU,” said Shawn Banzhaf, the center’s executive director. “At the core of ASU’s principles and charter is the belief in the American dream, and at the center we strive to help each veteran achieve it by finding their career post military to provide for themselves and their families."
AI for aging veterans
Loneliness has been called the silent killer.
The U.S. surgeon general has described the negative health effects of social isolation as being as damaging as smoking cigarettes. While many aging Americans are at risk of feeling or being socially isolated, veterans are particularly vulnerable.
That's why Nicole Roberts, an associate professor of psychology in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Arizona State University, has spent the past few years studying how to improve health care outcomes for veterans. She notes that Americans who have served in the military often suffer from medical conditions that are the result of serving in combat or performing highly physical jobs. Some vets have spent significant amounts of time living in close quarters on bases and later with a structured lifestyle, leaving them uniquely impacted when they find themselves retired and alone.
Resilience program for vets, first responders
Shortly after Deborah Helitzer became the dean of the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University, she met a PhD student who was studying traumatic brain injuries.
Their conversations led Helitzer to become even more interested in veterans’ health, and in January 2024, the College of Health Solutions officially launched the Military and Veterans Resilience and Health Collaborative, a program designed to bridge the gap between research and practical solutions and support the military-connected and first responder community.
“It became clear to me that our college had a lot to contribute to military and veteran health, whether through our expertise in exercise, science, nutrition, hydration, sleep or mental health resilience,” Helitzer said. “In order to more effectively support health solutions for those who serve, we have created the initiative. This collaborative will serve as a connector and a convener for partners to collaborate, innovate and accomplish more together than any of us can do alone.”
Veterans with sleep disorders
Could a virtual insomnia patient help real-life veterans with their sleep disorders?
That’s what Thomas Parsons wants to find out.
Parsons, a Grace Center Professor of Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science and Immersive Technology at Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, was awarded a $5.2 million, four-year grant from the Department of Defense to develop virtual standardized insomnia patients.
The need is clear. According to a 2021 study by the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, insomnia diagnoses increased 45-fold among U.S. service members from 2015 to 2019.
Vets helping vets
Michael Baumgarten, a former U.S. Army ranger, was in basic training at Fort Benning when the 9/11 attacks occurred. He served for eight and a half years, completing 10 combat deployments before transitioning to civilian life.
After working in television, co-producing "The Warfighters" for the History Channel, he pursued higher education, earning his bachelor's degree and now studying PTSD and military suicide as a PhD student at Arizona State University.
Baumgarten wants to understand cultural differences in PTSD and suicide rates among military members.
Showcasing STEM at Luke
Arizona State University brought an array of interactive STEM exhibits to the Luke Days Air Show in March 2024 at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona.
As part of Luke Days STEM City, more than 300 faculty, staff and students provided 18 hands-on exhibits, including sports technology, aviation, virtual molecular simulations, robotics, forensics and a STEM trivia wheel, engaging visitors of all ages.
“We are proud to have participated in Luke Days and demonstrated ASU’s contributions to education, research and our communities,” said Chris Howard, ASU executive vice president, chief operating officer and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. “Our involvement underscores our commitment to advancing innovation, supporting our military community and inspiring the next generation to achieve their dreams through educational opportunities.”
National defense leader
Marked by a long history of Department of Defense collaboration, Arizona State University is an “all in” national defense university. ASU researchers help the DOD find solutions to vexing challenges and advance innovation. ASU’s defense-related research expenditures have risen by nearly 70% in the past five years.
Beyond research, ASU educates military-affiliated students through their service journey, from training future officers to educating active-duty members, veterans and their families. With tailored programs and resources, ASU ensures those who serve — past, present and future — have access to high-quality education for success at every stage.
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