Strengthening Global Readiness: Ohio State CIBER and the U.S. Army Reserve’s 412th Civil Affairs Battalion
In partnership with CIBER, the Center for African Studies (CAS) held a seminar on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Fisher College of Business for officers, staff non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve 412th Civil Affairs Battalion. Led by Dr. Ousman Kobo and Jacien G. Carr, Ph.D., the CAS-CIBER Africa Seminar highlighted conflict and peacebuilding in Africa. With over 70 participants, the event fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration among military personnel, academics, and professionals.
The next seminar session is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Fisher College of Business. This ongoing series will cover key topics such as regional geography and history, social, political, military, and economic issues, current events, and the international dynamics between African nations and the United States, Russia, and China.
By leveraging academic expertise to support national security objectives, this partnership reinforces the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges. It demonstrates how CIBER programs contribute to real-world impact, strengthening military preparedness and international understanding.
Strengthening U.S. Leadership in Space Commercialization: CIBER Supports Student Innovation
With support from Ohio State CIBER, student entrepreneur Nikolas Harris traveled to Milan, Italy, for the 75th International Astronautical Congress, where he and his brother, Ian Harris, presented research on space sustainability and engaged with global leaders in the space commercialization industry. This opportunity allowed them to showcase their startup, SPAERO Systems, and its innovative sterilization technology designed to prevent microbial contamination in spacecraft. By attending, they gained critical insights into the future of space exploration, expanded their professional network, and positioned their technology for international collaboration.
CIBER’s support enabled Nikolas to access a premier global forum where researchers, industry experts, and policymakers are shaping the next generation of space technology. The experience provided direct exposure to international market trends and investment opportunities, reinforcing the role of U.S. entrepreneurs in the growing commercial space sector. Through interactions with global stakeholders, the Harris brothers strengthened the United States’ presence in a highly competitive industry, demonstrating the potential for American innovation to lead in space sustainability and commercialization.
This initiative reflects CIBER’s mission to enhance U.S. competitiveness and international engagement by equipping students with the knowledge, networks, and global experience necessary to drive innovation. By facilitating participation in international forums, CIBER ensures that Ohio State students contribute to advancements that solidify the United States’ leadership in emerging industries, further strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.
Expanding Global Opportunities: CIBER Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Central Appalachia
Ohio State CIBER partnered with the Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Central Appalachia to deliver Export 101: From Local to Global, a workshop designed to equip women-owned businesses with the foundational knowledge needed to expand into international markets. Held in October 2024, the workshop featured a panel discussion led by CIBER Senior Director Dominic DiCamillo, alongside Don Hackney from the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network and Michel Nouafo from the U.S. Commercial Service. The workshop provided practical insights into international sales, logistics, and regulatory compliance, while also connecting participants with state and federal resources to support export growth.
The WBC of Central Appalachia, located at Shawnee State University’s Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, serves as a critical resource for female entrepreneurs in an underserved region. By providing mentorship, financial assistance, and business development training, the center helps women-led businesses at all stages of growth. Through its collaboration with CIBER, the WBC helped local entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate global markets, ultimately strengthening U.S. small business competitiveness abroad.
This initiative reflects CIBER’s mission to enhance U.S. economic growth by equipping businesses with the tools needed for international success. By expanding access to export education and connecting women entrepreneurs with global trade networks, CIBER is fostering inclusive economic development and ensuring that American businesses remain competitive in the international marketplace.