by Alexandra M. Landsberg, Director, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences Division, Office of Naval Research | 26 January 2022 Congratulations to the Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program Scholars and Mentors of the Year for fiscal year (FY) 2021! These wins are especially significant for Naval STEM because the Department of the Navy (DoN) won all three awards. SMART is a STEM scholarship-for-service program that provides tuition assistance and other financial benefits to students, in exchange for a period of post-graduation civilian service in a DoD facility. Another benefit of the program comes in internships that allow for hands-on research and work experiences in DoD facilities. SMART is designed to support scholars in their educational pursuits and prepare them to be highly skilled DoD STEM workforce members. SMART Scholars and Mentors of the Year award started last year. The accolade acknowledges SMART scholar and mentor pairs who demonstrate exemplary achievements during the pursuit of their SMART-sponsored degree (Phase 1), during their DoD employment commitment (Phase 2), or as a seasoned DoD science and technology professional post-service commitment (Phase 3). I am proud to share the winners for FY21: Phase 1: Khaldoon Ishmael and Dr. Richard Ordonez (Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific) Phase 2: Dr. Regina Guazzo and Dr. Tyler Helble (Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific) Phase 3: Dr. David Illig and Dr. Linda Mullen (Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division) More Details More Details More Details It is an honor for our DoN STEM professionals to be recognized with this prestigious award. You may recognize a few familiar faces like Ordonez and Guazzo, who served as speakers for our Naval Horizons essay contest. Moreover, Helble serves as a mentor for the Navy’s National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate fellows. We are proud that our exceptional scholars and mentors are passionate about inspiring the next generation of Naval STEM professionals. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the DoD Innovator Spotlight Series will showcase each of the SMART Scholars and Mentors of the Year award winners. They will each share their experiences in the SMART program and their best practices as Navy STEM professionals. If you are interested in hearing from these scholars and mentors, please register for the event, which is open to the public, at https://events.sa-meetings.com/website/34408/. Naval STEM and the Office of Naval Research say Bravo Zulu to the winners! Learn more about the FY21 SMART Scholars and Mentors of the Year.