Cold beverages and circuits might seem an unlikely pairing, but it’s one that encapsulates the essence of innovation that is needed to ensure the Navy “Expands our Undersea Advantage.”
Members of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport’s Undersea Weapons Department recently held an extraordinary after-work event that blended technology and camaraderie in a unique and memorable way. The "Beer and Bots Night" held at Western Red Brewery in Poulsbo, Wash. illuminated the powerful connection between team building, fostering a culture of continuous learning and the playful exploration of data. It highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic and engaging work environment both inside and outside the office walls.
The core of any successful organization lies in its people, and the "Beer and Bots Night" exemplified this truth. Collaborative activities like this extend beyond traditional team-building exercises, creating an informal space for colleagues to interact, bond and learn about one other's skills and interests. In the absence of formal hierarchies, the event encouraged open communication and cross-functional collaboration, ultimately strengthening the team's cohesion.
Nathaniel Stevens, a Computer Scientist at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, observed that it was a great opportunity to meet others outside his team. He noted that even within the fun and creative environment the event provided, he found himself getting frustrated when his Bristlebot was not performing as he wanted it to. He really enjoyed watching everyone engage in the redesign process, whether or not they were successful.
In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the pursuit of knowledge is a necessity. This event embodied the spirit of continuous learning, prompting participants to step outside their comfort zones and explore new concepts. New technological advancements are rapidly outpacing traditional methods of learning, and this night exemplified the importance of staying curious and adaptive to keep pace with our changing environment. This culture of continuous learning not only enhances the individual skills of the workforce but also contributes to the collective advancement of the Navy.
Data, often seen as a serious and analytical domain, was infused with a sense of playfulness during the event. Teams engaged in a friendly competition to generate insights from datasets they created by performing pH tests on commonly consumed foods and drinks. Their objective was to create an infographic and a one-minute presentation to communicate information they uncovered or identified from their testing.
Carla Peterson, the STEM Night Coordinator, recalled, “I was really happy to see the fun that people were having while conducting tests and creating data-driven infographics. All the planning to make sure the activities were engaging and educational at the same time, paid off. We are looking forward to offering more of these events for our workforce, based on the turnout and feedback.”
The fusion of data analysis and humor brought forth an environment where the exploration of data became a joyous experience. The event aimed to dissolve the misconception that data is dry and technical, instead revealing its vivacity and potential for creating unforgettable experiences—a goal it successfully achieved.
The "Beer and Bots Night" demonstrated that the convergence of technology and team dynamics can create an unparalleled environment of growth, unity and innovation. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and embracing the fun side of data, members of the Undersea Weapons Department showcased that growing the skills needed to be innovative can be both productive and enjoyable. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, events like this underscore the importance of celebrating human ingenuity, pushing boundaries and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.
Editor’s note: Angie Meier contributed to this article.
-KPT-
About Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport
NUWC Keyport provides advanced technical capabilities for test and evaluation, in-service engineering, maintenance and industrial base support, fleet material readiness, and obsolescence management for undersea warfare to expand America’s undersea dominance.
Date Taken: | 08.21.2023 |
Date Posted: | 08.21.2023 15:53 |
Story ID: | 451806 |
Location: | KEYPORT, WASHINGTON, US |
Web Views: | 506 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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