POTSDAM -- Six Clarkson University students are working to commercialize Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) technologies this fall through the Commercialization Academy.

The program, sponsored by AFRL, gives students opportunities to work on the introduction of Department of Defense technologies to the civilian marketplace.

Clarkson students Jamie Griffin, Elijah Cleveland, Charlotte Hayden, Lizzie Cassady, Colton Weaver and Katy Martin have selected Air Force technologies, and along with assistance, will develop a commercialization plan for them.

The six students from Clarkson, along with 18 students from 10 other universities, traveled to Rome, N.Y. for "Crucible Week" this summer. The experience gave students a chance to interact with researchers and hone their presentation skills.

"Crucible Week was an amazing experience," Griffin said. "My favorite part was the speed dinner in which each student had five minutes to talk with various inventors of Air Force technology. This provided the opportunity to understand their perspective of the technology and discuss innovative ideas."

The six Clarkson students divided into teams with students from other universities, and are represented on four different commercialization projects. The students will work together in intense workshops, training sessions and team building exercises throughout the fall semester.