Senior leaders talk big picture with SMART scholars

  • Published
  • By Debbie Gildea
  • Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation program scholars have unique opportunities to leave a lasting legacy in the U.S. defense community, Air Force senior leaders said during the SMART scholar summer orientation, which took place July 11-14 in Washington, D.C.

Nearly 300 SMART program participants, 93 of whom will one day work for the Air Force, spent a week in the capital city, meeting with some of the Defense Department's most respected scientists and engineers, viewing military static aircraft displays, and participating in round-table discussions with their command mentors, said Ed Bujan, the Air Force Personnel Center's Air Force SMART program liaison.

Among the senior leaders who spoke with the students was Dr. Steven H. Walker, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for science, technology and engineering.

Walker shared a 20,000-foot view of science, engineering and technology opportunities and unique future engineering projects with the students, many of whom are likely to be involved in those projects. The Air Force's senior scientist talked about the critical role today's SMART scholars will play in developing America's cutting edge technologies, and in maintaining American defense and national security superiority.

In addition, students met Russell Howard, Air Force Materiel Command's engineering and technical management director, who explained the AFMC mission and discussed the variety of science, math, engineering and technology career opportunities in the command.

AFMC was one of three Air Force commands represented at the summer orientation, which also included mentors from Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command. The 93 Air Force scholars will do their internships and, following graduation, will work for one of those three commands.

According to Bujan, the DOD return on investment in the SMART program is significant, so scholars aren't the only benefactors. The DOD provides program participants with education, books, internship opportunities, a living stipend and meaningful employment following graduation.

"We get a new generation of scientists and engineers who will help grow our U.S. technologies, and who represent the future of science, technology, engineering and math," said Bujan. "The real test of the program's success is whether or not our scholars stay with the DOD after they fulfill their commitment."

Following graduation, scholarship participants work for their sponsoring agencies as part of their commitment. During that period, the agency benefits from their ideas and talents, but if they stay longer, that's where the DOD really benefits, said Bujan.

So far, the program is working, he explained. Of the 24 Air Force scholars who completed the program and fulfilled their commitment, 19 have remained with the Air Force.

"Those who left did so to pursue additional education, so the SMART program is not only a great success for the Air Force," Bujan said, "it also helps so many young people find their path in life."

While in D.C., the scholars also had an opportunity to formally dine with technology leaders during the annual awards banquet. The 711th Human Performance Wing's Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, was named the 2011 Outstanding Air Force SMART Organization, and scientist and engineering recruiter Thurmasia O. Love, of the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins AFB, Ga., was named the 2011 Outstanding Air Force SMART representative.

The 711th chief scientist explained why the wing was named best in the Air Force for 2011.

"When a program like this comes along, we not only emphasize getting people through the process and taking care of them while they are in school, but we also make sure that after they complete their studies that we take care of them when they show up for work," said Dr. Morley Stone.

"Since I became chief scientist nearly three years ago, we have made the SMART program a top priority with a goal of increasing the number of students who participate each year," he added. "While the students make immediate contributions to the 711th Human Performance Wing, we are banking on their potential to be productive researchers within our organization."

SMART scholarships are available for high school and college students, with this year's participants ranging from 19-year-old high school graduates to doctoral candidates. Participants are recruited by Bujan and program recruiters at bases around the country. Most applicants attend technology-focused universities like Texas A&M and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This year, said Bujan, the SMART program accepted its first-ever University of Texas in San Antonio participant.

Applications for the 2012 school year are being accepted now through Dec. 1. Those interested in science, technology, engineering and math academic disciplines can get more information and submit an application at http://smart.asee.org.

For information about science, technology, engineering and math careers and other Air Force civilian career opportunities, go to www.afciviliancareers.com.