Purdue ECE student awarded DOD SMART scholarship
A junior in Purdue University’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering has been awarded the Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. Robert Sego is currently studying Computer Engineering with a focus in Image Processing and Analysis.
This award provides full tuition for up to five years, mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and full-time employment with the DOD after graduation. This unique opportunity offers students hands-on experience at one of over 200 innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and larger DOD. During summer internships, SMART scholars work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining valuable technical skills. After graduation Sego will work at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Springfield, VA.
“I’m extremely grateful for the support to continue both my education and my research,” said Sego.
The DOD has made a commitment to developing the Nation's STEM talent and is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers with nearly 150,000 civilian STEM employees working across the Department. DoD STEM activities support this mission by providing authentic learning experiences through a variety of education and outreach initiatives, such as the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program. For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly skilled STEM workforce that competes with the evolving trends of industry to support the next generation of science and technology for our nation.
For more information on the SMART Program or to learn how students can apply, please visit www.smartscholarship.org. The application is open annually from August through December.