SMART Scholarship Program brings new wave of researchers into nearly every field of science

June 18, 2010 - PRLog -- SMART Scholarship Program brings new wave of researchers into nearly every field of science

Monterey, CA – Who’s next?  As the scientists who helped develop the technologies that became part of the Stealth Fighter, the Global Positioning System, 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) recruits several thousand applicants, all citizens of the United States, from universities around the country.  These individuals demonstrate keen interest in working for the Department of Defense (DoD) in science and engineering fields.  The few who receive the scholarship award are truly exceptional.

Almost 300 students from across the country, as part of the incoming 2010 Cohort, will gather in Monterey, California for the annual SMART Orientation.  This years’ event will take place from July 15 to July 19 at the Monterey Conference Center, including the adjacent Marriott Monterey and Portola Hotel and Spa.

SMART offers full scholarships to 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 the Air Force, Army, Navy, and DoD-wide laboratories and facilities, giving students a chance to network with professionals in the field and receive exposure to a variety of possible career directions.  Additionally, the event will provide an opportunity to view various pieces of DoD hardware and technologies; ranging from small, hand-held devices up to armored vehicles, fighter aircraft, and even an Aegis Cruiser that will be anchoring in Monterey Bay.

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.”

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.