SMART Scholarship Orientation Features State-of-the-Art Technology and Next Generation Scientists
Online, July 7, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Monterey, CA - The Navy's premier Aegis class cruiser, the USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), is scheduled to be in Monterey July 18-19 along with an extraordinary array of Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft and vehicles to inspire a new cadre of scientists and engineers as they begin their studies and careers in cutting edge research.
As the scientists who created stealth technologies, the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the internet reach retirement age, one group is looking to find skilled and committed students to fill those impressive shoes.
Each year, the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program (smart.asee.org) receives several thousand applications from students attending universities around the country. These individuals demonstrate keen interest in working for the DoD in science and engineering fields. The few who receive the scholarship award are truly exceptional.
The incoming 2010 SMART Cohort, comprised of 297 outstanding students, will gather in Monterey, California at the Portola Plaza from July 15-19 as part of the annual SMART Orientation.
SMART offers full scholarships to civilian undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. This program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.
The July orientation brings together recipients of these scholarships in order to familiarize the new scholars with the depth and breadth of the program and provide hands-on exhibits featuring the latest research opportunities. The orientation will feature representatives from almost 60 DoD facilities.
A highlight of the five day event will be an opportunity to tour and interact with the crew of the USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). The SMART scholars will also be able to view several aircraft including the UH-60 Blackhawk, E-2C Hawkeye, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18E Super Hornet, and F/A-18C Hornet. Additionally, equipment such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) will be on display for the SMART Participants.
James Wright, a SMART Scholar currently working as a biochemist focusing on intelligent design biosensors for Boston University, says, "My Sponsoring Facility has been so helpful in getting all the processing done for clearances and computer access, as well as office and lab space. Everything is very generous. They provide me with the supplies and support to get things done. The opportunities you have with the SMART program, both the financial side and project support, are better than any program I've seen anywhere. There literally is no comparison." (tinyurl.com/SMARTJamesWright)
Participants in the SMART Scholarship program receive full tuition, cash award, paid internship, health insurance, book allowance, mentoring, and employment placement in exchange for 1 year of civilian employment with the DoD for each academic year on the scholarship.
The DoD employs more than 200,000 highly educated civilian scientists, engineers and mathematicians who work on the world's most relevant research projects and challenges of our time. In addition to working alongside some of the most innovative minds in the world, SMART Scholars have access to many one-of-a-kind world-class facilities, including the world's largest super-computers, wind tunnels and biological research facilities. The list of unique opportunities is virtually endless.
The SMART Program Orientation occurs annually during the summer in the Monterey Bay area. For more information, please contact: Ms. Danielle Rinderknecht at (831) 656-3380 or dprinder@nps.edu.