Cal State Fullerton has long been at the forefront of technology-driven education, equipping its students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing world. Now, thanks to a dynamic partnership with RTX, a global leader in aerospace and defense, the College of Engineering & Computer Science is breaking new ground in navigation technologies – a field that underpins both everyday life and global innovation.

A Vision for Collaboration

James Ribbe ’99 is a Senior Engineering Fellow & Technical Director at Raytheon (an RTX business), and a master’s degree graduate in computer science and computer engineering. He is also an advocate for fostering talent and has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry for ECS graduates. Ribbe’s passion for innovation, coupled with CSUF’s strengths in guidance, control, and navigation, has resulted in a mutually beneficial partnership.

“The overarching goal was to provide education, research, and outreach related to navigation technologies,” Ribbe explains. “Given the strength of Cal State Fullerton’s faculty and curriculum, and its proximity to several RTX sites, this partnership was clearly advantageous.”

Through the collaboration, RTX has sponsored capstone projects, provided mentorship, and supported research initiatives that advance navigation systems and applications – all while creating valuable opportunities for students.

Student Innovation: The Competitive Edge

CSUF’s Center for Navigation, a center of talent and innovation, actively recruits faculty and student associates at the beginning of each academic year. This center not only supervises but also fosters hands-on student projects that often result in groundbreaking solutions. Designing everything from GPS-based wildfire monitoring systems to AI-enabled traffic coordination, students tackle real-world challenges with fresh perspectives.

“CSUF is unique in its extensive offerings of hands-on student projects and club opportunities,” says Ribbe. “[This] results in students being fully comfortable in research and innovation laboratory environments. This is a major engineering culture discriminator for CSUF.”

The upcoming Engineering & Computer Science Innovation Hub further underscores the university’s commitment to nurturing talent. This state-of-the-art space will serve as a focal point for education, hands-on learning, and cutting-edge research, ensuring students are at the forefront of technological advancements in navigation.

Advancing Navigation Technology

Navigation systems are integral to modern life, from guiding autonomous vehicles to improving urban logistics. At CSUF, students and faculty are exploring ways to push the boundaries of these systems, leveraging tools such as artificial intelligence and advanced navigation algorithms.

“CSUF students and faculty understand innovation and are prepared to collaborate, try new things, learn from failures, and course correct to explore new technology,” Ribbe notes.

Projects such as the RTX Drone Competition, which features collegiate engineering teams competing in a demonstration of unmanned vehicles, alongside research into sensor networks for wildfire monitoring, exemplify the practical impact of these innovations. These initiatives not only advance navigation technology but also contribute to broader societal benefits, including enhanced safety and environmental sustainability.

Three Cal State Fullerton engineering students work together to assemble a drone on a classroom table. One student in a CSUF shirt holds a component in place, while another in safety glasses smiles and assists. A third student observes while drone parts and tools are spread across the table. — Engineering students collaborate on assembling a drone as part of a hands-on navigation technology project, supported by the university’s partnership with RTX.

Real-World Applications

The implications of CSUF’s research extend far beyond academia. RTX envisions navigation technologies developed through this partnership playing critical roles in large-scale events like the Olympics and global initiatives aimed at improving transportation systems.

For example, control algorithms designed for smart intersections and AI-enabled traffic coordination can reduce vehicle idle time, lower emissions, and create safer urban environments. Research grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting more practical application of navigation technologies will allow these innovations to have a more tangible impact.

Preparing the Next Generation

Through this collaboration, students gain experience solving open-ended problems, working on cross-disciplinary teams, and managing projects with real-world constraints.

“The most successful student projects are both innovative and are run as a professional project,” Ribbe adds. “Students learn how to innovate, work as a team, and document their design and progress. They learn the basics of engineering management – key practical skills. That means they already have experience with real navigation technologies before entering the workforce.”

The partnership connects students with RTX engineers and mentors, fostering relationships that can span their entire careers. “Many RTX engineers in Fullerton have benefitted from the navigation curriculum at Cal State Fullerton and mentorship they received during their time as students. I see this collaboration fostering similar career-spanning impacts and relationships.”

Building a Future Together

As navigation systems continue to evolve, the partnership between Cal State Fullerton and RTX is poised to drive advancements that benefit both industry and society. With cutting-edge research, hands-on student projects, and an emphasis on collaboration, CSUF is preparing its students to become leaders in the field.