Contact: Claire Wilson

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Bryan Farrell is the new interim director of Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, one of the country’s leading academic research centers dedicated to the advancement of aviation.

Farrell joined Raspet in December 2021 as associate director for aviation program management. Rob Premo, who has led both Raspet and MSU’s Center for Cyber Innovation, or CCI, for the past year, will focus his efforts on growing MSU’s cyber research opportunities as CCI director.

“I appreciate Bryan stepping in to lead Raspet as the center continues to be a major resource for our university and the many external stakeholders that rely on MSU to advance uncrewed aviation,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “We are grateful for Rob’s time and commitment to the Raspet team and look forward to the continued growth of our cyber capabilities through CCI.”

MSU stands out in cybersecurity education, recognized as one of just 10 U.S. institutions with all three top National Security Agency academic excellence credentials. MSU also shows its dedication by leading the Mississippi Cyber Initiative, aimed at preparing the state’s future economy with a focus on cybersecurity innovation and collaboration across academia, private sector, various government levels, law enforcement, U.S. Department of Defense, and the Mississippi National Guard.

Prior to joining the Raspet team, Farrell served as deputy director for international research development at MSU’s International Institute, where he led the university’s international research, partnership and professional development efforts. He has served in various roles at the university since 2014. He earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and political science, and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from MSU and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy and administration.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, and I look forward to supporting the team in shaping the future of aviation,” Farrell said. “Our efforts in both crewed and uncrewed aviation will continue to grow Mississippi State University’s reputation as a trailblazer in applied aviation research and development as we continue to support the state of Mississippi as a leader in aviation. I am eager to see our future advancements and immensely proud to be provided this opportunity.”

Raspet boasts the country’s largest fleet of uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, in academic use, and recently celebrated its 75th year of aviation research. Raspet is a key partner in the MSU-led Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for UAS. Working in collaboration with MSU faculty, students and other research centers, Raspet leads major UAS research, testing and evaluation efforts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Defense. In 2020, Raspet was designated as the FAA’s UAS Safety Research Facility.

For more on the Raspet Flight Research Lab, visit www.raspet.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.