Scope
The Defense Technology Fellows Program for predominately STEM undergraduates majors is designed to support students with an interest in National Security – specifically as it pertains to defense technology developments.
Vision
Inspire and prepare students to build networks in the local defense technology sector, and make them aware of the history, policy, strategy, and statecraft side of the national defense.
Senior Fellow
Major General (Retired) Jeannie Leavitt served in the United States Air Force for 31 years after earning her commission as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in January of 1993, and then became the first female fighter pilot for the Air Force when the Department of Defense changed their combat exclusion policy for women in April of 1993. General Leavitt is a graduate and former instructor of the United States Air Force Weapons School in the F-15E Strike Eagle. She is a decorated command pilot with more than 3,000 hours, including more than 300 combat hours.
In 2012, General Leavitt became the first woman to command a combat wing when she took command of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. She also commanded the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base and Air Force Recruiting Service at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Additionally, she served as the Department of the Air Force Chief of Safety, where she oversaw mishap prevention and risk management programs for the Air Force and Space Force.
Her joint assignments include Special Technical Operations Chief at United States Forces Korea, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Fellow at the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C., and Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Secretary Chuck Hagel and Secretary Ash Carter.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. She also holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, an MBA from Auburn University, a Master of Military Art and Science from Air University, and a Master of National Security Affairs from the National War College, National Defense University.
Program Lead
Dirk Ringgenberg is a Associate Director and Senior National Security Fellow for Instruction in the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas of Austin.
Dr. Ringgenberg received his PhD in History (military technology) from Iowa State University, MA in military arts and science from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and BA in History from Columbus State University. Dirk is completing a book manuscript on the U.S. Army Signal Corps adoption and development of wireless / radio from 1898 to 1917. Future projects include a biography on Major General Adolphus Greely and history of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Dirk published and collaborated on several military history articles including the 2008 Army History J. Lawton Collins Award Winning “The Battle of Bulac Kalay,” and recent historical presentations at the National World War I Museum, University of Kansas, and Kansas City public library.
Prior to joining the Clements Center, Dirk served ten years as an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in the Department of Military History and the U.S. Army for 24 years, retiring in 2011 as a Major with a distinguished military career. Dirk is a highly decorated (Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor and Legion of Merit) Infantryman with 10 years’ service enlisted and non-commissioned officer and 14 years as an officer with notable service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Dirk completed numerous courses, schools and deployments. His combat service includes Desert Shield /Storm in 1990/91, Iraq 2003/04, Afghanistan 2005/06, Iraq 2009/10.
Program Coordinator
Cree Taylor is a Texas native and newest Student Program Coordinator at the Clements Center for National Security. In this role, she primarily coordinates the Undergraduate Fellows’ events and abroad programs, while also offering academic and professional mentorship. Cree has previously worked as a research and graduate assistant at San Diego State University where she earned her Master of Arts in Political Science. She is also a Texas State University alumna and received her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice.
For any inquiries or questions please contact: cree.taylor@austin.utexas.edu
