Physics Students Awarded Scholarship & Guaranteed Job Placement at Department of Defense | College of Science
April 12, 2019

Physics Students Awarded Scholarship & Guaranteed Job Placement at Department of Defense

Congratulations are in order for UNT graduate physics students Erin Thorton and Oliver Sale, who recently won the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, awarded by the Department of Defense. Erin Thornton received her award through the Air Force Research Lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Oliver Sale received his award with the Army Space and Missile Defense Command located near Huntsville, Alabama. The award includes full tuition coverage, up to $38,000 per year in stipends, summer research internships at Department of Defense laboratories, and guaranteed job placement at one of their labs upon graduation.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program was established as a concentrated effort to enhance the Department of Defense (DoD) workforce with talented, innovative and brilliant scientists, engineers and researchers. For over a decade, SMART Scholars have been working within labs and agencies of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Additional DoD to support the warfighter and create an impact to secure our nation.

SMART Scholars enter the program to pursue their education in some of the leading STEM fields currently in high demand by the United States Government. The program offers scholarships for bachelors, masters and PhD students pursuing STEM. While in school, students will receive full tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance and book allowances, as well as summer internships that range from 8 to 12 weeks. Upon degree completion, scholars begin working in a civilian position with their sponsoring facility. The internships and work experience allow scholars the opportunity to learn from the greatest minds in STEM and defense. Not only do scholars pursue their passions in their respective field during their educational phase, but they begin a journey towards an empowering career to protect national security.