About
Growing South Carolina's
Knowledge-Based Economy
The McNAIR Aerospace Center focuses on workforce development through manufacturing research and industry engagement. With a diverse team of research faculty from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, student employees engage in industry-led projects, such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, automation, 3D printing, and DoD research. Our commitment to cutting edge innovation and collaboration sets our students apart as leaders in the workforce of the future.
The McNAIR Aerospace Center is a leader in advanced composites research and skilled workforce development in the state of South Carolina. With world-class machinery, industry partnerships and acclaimed researchers in hi-rate manufacturing, the McNAIR center is actively growing the state’s knowledge-based economy while meeting the demands of an ever-changing technological landscape. The center, established with donations from Anita Zucker, Darla Moore, and Marva Smalls and named for astronaut and SC native Ronald E. McNair, has limitless possibilities aiding students to successfully take jobs in South Carolina’s growing manufacturing economy.
“The road between South Carolina and space flight is not a very simple one, nor one filled with guarantees. In fact, the only guarantees to be found are those that reside in the unchallenged depths of one’s own determination.”
- Ronald E. McNair (1950-1986)