711th Human Performance Wing wins SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Elizabeth Long
  • 711th Human Performance Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) --  The 711th Human Performance Wing has won the Air Force SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year award.

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship, and be gainfully employed upon degree completion. It is part of the National Defense Education Program, and each military service participates in SMART.

"The 711 HPW was recognized with this award for its commitment to SMART," said Ed Bujan, a liaison for the Air Force SMART program. "It uses a very successful method for conducting interviews and selecting students. (The) 711th HPW staff members do a tremendous job making sure each student has a positive mentor upon selection."

Bujan also noted that the feedback of the students is a positive reflection of what the 711th HPW does to support SMART, and to make sure it is investing wisely for the future of the Wing, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Air Force.

"We are delighted to receive this award, because it is recognition of the efforts that we are putting into a program that we believe is essential to the viability of our organization," said Dr. Morley Stone, the chief scientist at the 711th HPW.

Twenty-three students are participating in the SMART program at the 711th HPW, from undergraduates to students working on a doctorate.

Stone has made the program a top priority with a goal of increasing the number of students who participate each year.

"What we stress to people throughout the 711th HPW is that this is a great program, especially because of its ability to attract the very best applicants in the country," Stone said. "With this program, we not only emphasize getting people through the process and taking care of them while they are in school, but we also make sure after they complete their studies, that we take care of them as they start their research careers."