SMART Scholarship

Engineering transforms ideas into solutions. Mechanical engineers design and improve systems used in energy, transportation, and advanced manufacturing. Through the SMART Scholarship, scholars pursuing engineering careers gain experience that connects academic study with applied research and development. SMART prepares engineers to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. #SMARTScholarship #CareersOfTheFuture #MechanicalEngineering #STEMCareers

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from SMART! Here’s some science behind the color green. Green wavelengths sit in the middle of the visible light spectrum, making them easier for the human eye to process. #SMARTScholarship #STEMEducation #FutureOfSTEM #StPatricksDay

Engineers at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division are exploring how robotics and automation can improve safety and efficiency in naval ordnance handling. Through a partnership with @PennState, engineering students developed and tested a custom robotic end-of-arm tool designed to safely lift and position heavy projectiles. The project demonstrates how collaboration between government and academic partners supports hands-on innovation while advancing robotic systems that reduce physical strain and improve operational safety for sailors. Read more: navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/Art… #SMARTScholarship #STEMCareers #STEMInnovation #FutureOfSTEM #WeAre #PennState #PennStateEngineering #Robotics @NAVSEA

The @AFResearchLab recently supported the third iteration of the Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming (DASH 3), a series of experiments focused on improving how artificial intelligence supports operational decision-making. Conducted in collaboration with partners from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, DASH 3 examined how AI-enabled tools can help teams generate, evaluate, and adapt multiple courses of action in complex, fast-moving scenarios. During the experiment, industry and government teams worked alongside operators to test decision-support technologies designed to manage uncertainty, explore multiple options simultaneously, and maintain flexibility as situations evolve. The effort highlighted the value of human-machine collaboration, data-driven analysis, and international partnerships in advancing future battle management capabilities. Read more: afrl.af.mil/News/Article-D… #SMARTScholarship #STEMInnovation #FutureOfSTEM

Technology shapes how we solve complex problems. Careers in computer science and engineering support advancements in modeling, simulation, and software development. SMART scholars in technology-focused fields apply technical skills to research and innovation efforts that support evolving STEM needs. Through SMART, scholars help build the technologies of the future. #SMARTScholarship #CareersOfTheFuture #ComputerScience #STEMCareers

SMART is going to IEEE SoutheastCon 2026 in Huntsville, Alabama, from March 13 to 15. SoutheastCon is a place where professionals, students, and academia from engineering, computer science, and technology can share ideas, learn more about technical topics, and meet people from other STEM fields. Will you be there? Swing by table #20, say “hi” to our team, and learn more about the SMART Scholarship. #IEEE #SoutheastCon #STEMCareers #STEMEducation #SMARTScholarship @IEEEorg

Joshua “Jay” Lavoie is a SMART scholar sponsored by the @USNavy  and currently serves as a lead system engineer for Terrestrial Collection Systems at @USMC_Gear  in Quantico, Virginia. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in information sciences at @marymountu while contributing to the development and integration of complex systems that support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.  Jay credits the SMART program with providing early exposure to his Sponsoring Facility, access to mentorship, and opportunities to grow through collaboration. He now mentors others and supports individuals interested in careers in STEM and government service.  Read more: smartscholarship.org/smart/en?id=sc…   #SMARTScholarship #ScholarSpotlight #STEMLeadership #STEMCareers #SystemsEngineering

SMART applications are under review! We appreciate the time and effort applicants put into their submissions and encourage everyone to stay connected with us for upcoming updates. #SMARTScholarship #STEMCommunity #FutureOfSTEM

Scientific discovery drives innovation across STEM. Careers in biomedical engineering apply science and engineering principles to advance biomedical research, devices, and technologies that support mission-driven problem solving. Through the SMART Scholarship, scholars pursuing biomedical engineering gain hands-on experience connecting scientific discovery with real-world engineering applications. SMART supports future innovators as they turn research into impact. #SMARTScholarship #CareersOfTheFuture #BiomedicalEngineering #STEMCareers

Did you apply for the SMART Scholarship? Award notifications are scheduled to be shared in April. Thank you for your continued interest as the review process is underway. #SMARTScholarship #STEMCommunity #FutureOfSTEM

At @USArmy Yuma Proving Ground’s test center, engineers are using 3D printing to rapidly turn design concepts into tangible parts that support testing and keep missions moving. The center recently added large-capacity printers capable of working with multiple materials, including carbon fiber, to help prototype tooling, mounting plates, and other components that can be quickly evaluated and refined. By combining computer-aided design with advanced additive manufacturing, these teams can test fit, cost-effectively iterate designs, and support real-world Army missions with greater agility. Read more: army.mil/article/289524… #SMARTScholarship #STEMInnovation #STEMCareers #FutureOfSTEM #AdvancedManufacturing

SMART scholars, the spring semester is underway! After a successful 2025, we want to hear from you: What are your tips for balancing the responsibilities of being a SMART scholar and student? Share your insights below. #SMARTScholarship #STEMeducation #UniversityLife

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), a SMART Sponsoring Facility, is strengthening readiness through forward-thinking additive manufacturing and cross-service collaboration. NAVAIR’s Additive Manufacturing team supports maintainers by providing training, engineering expertise, and technical data to produce replacement parts at the point of need, significantly reducing downtime for critical aircraft. Recently, Marine and Air Force maintainers worked together using AM capabilities to return a U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle to service in hours instead of months. This effort demonstrates how additive manufacturing can overcome traditional supply chain limits while enhancing operational readiness and fostering collaboration across services. Learn more about this innovation here: 🔗 navair.navy.mil/news/NAVAIR-en… #SMARTScholarship #NAVAIR #STEMInnovation #AdditiveManufacturing #DefenseTech @NAVAIRNews

This week we recognize National Engineers Week and the engineers whose work drives innovation and problem solving across STEM. #EngineersWeek #SMARTScholarship @DiscoverEorg #Eweek2026

This #TechTuesday, meet Lotfi Zadeh, an electrical engineer and computer scientist best known for developing fuzzy logic. Introduced in the 1960s, fuzzy logic allows systems to reason with uncertainty and approximate values, a concept that has become foundational in artificial intelligence and control systems. Zadeh’s work continues to influence AI applications in engineering, automation, and decision-making technologies used today. #TechTuesday #STEMInnovation #SMARTScholarship #ArtificialIntelligence

Abby Rasmussen is a SMART scholar who earned a dual degree in industrial and systems engineering from @ClemsonUniv and is building a career centered on data-driven decision making at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, MD. Through the SMART Program, Abby gained hands-on experience, strengthened her skills in data analysis, and benefited from mentorship that helped prepare her for full-time work. She now gives back by mentoring SMART interns and supporting others as they begin their STEM careers.  Abby’s story highlights how applied learning, mentorship, and curiosity shape meaningful career pathways in STEM. Read more: smartscholarship.org/smart/en?id=sc… #SMARTScholarship #STEMLeadership #ScholarSpotlight #clemsontigers #clemsonalumni @NAVAIRNews

Sponsoring Facility interviews are part of the next phase of the SMART process. Taking time to prepare now can help you feel ready and confident. Check out these interview tips: youtu.be/q7vOD9AiN6w #SMARTopportunity #InterviewTips

Chargers, join us for an upcoming seminar hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Physics Department on February 25. SMART scholar Jason Kuszynski, Ph.D., will present research supported by the SEED Innovation Award, including a spotlight on work conducted at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) Technical Center and the new Nanomaterials Laboratory. The seminar will include an overview of the SMART Scholarship Program and how it supports STEM education and career pathways. This seminar is part of the department’s weekly series and is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty. 📍 Location: Optics Building (OPB) 234 🕒 Time: 2:40 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. CST 📅 No registration required #SMARTScholarship #UAH #Physics #STEMResearch #STEMEducation @UAHuntsville @ArmySMDC

We enjoyed connecting with students at the @VCU Engineering Internship and Career Fair and discussing how SMART supports hands-on learning and future STEM careers. Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by. #SMARTScholarship #VCU #STEMCareers #Engineering #CareerFair

This #TechTuesday, we’re recognizing the role of physics and materials science in advancing next-generation energy technologies. Pioneering research in condensed matter physics and materials science has helped enable modern energy systems, including lasers and other high-energy applications. Understanding how materials behave at the atomic level is key to developing scalable, efficient energy solutions. These foundational discoveries support scaled directed energy, where high-impact, low-cost energy systems are shaping the future of defense and innovation. Recent work at the @USNRL’s NIKE Laser-Target Facility shows how high-energy laser research and materials science come together to study extreme states of matter: navy.mil/Press-Office/N… #TechTuesday #STEMInnovation #Physics #DirectedEnergy #SMARTScholarship