Human Performance Wing Wins Air Force SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year Award

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) has won the United States 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. Mike Griffin, SMART Focal Point, 711 HPW Chief Scientist’s Office (second from left), receives the award from Dr. Steven Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Science, Technology and Engineering. Dr. Knox Millsaps (far left), Senior Program Administrator for SMART and Professor/Chairman Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Naval Post Graduate School, and Mr. Russell Howard (far right), Director of Engineering and Technical Management, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, also participated in the award presentation.

Human Performance Wing Wins Air Force SMART Award

Published Sept. 26, 2011
By Dr. Allen Nease Jr.
711th Human Performance Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing has been recognized for its dedication to the Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program. The 711 HPW earned the United States Air Force SMART Sponsoring Facility of the Year for its part in the the program, which provides a full scholarship and post-degree employment for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Each military service participates in SMART as part of the National Defense Education Program.

"(The SMART program) uses a very successful method for conducting interviews and selecting students," said Ed Bujan, Air Force SMART program liaison. "711 HPW staff members do a tremendous job making sure each student has a positive mentor upon selection."

Bujan noted that the feedback of the students is a positive reflection of what the 711 HPW does to support SMART, and to ensure 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," said Dr. Morley Stone, Chief Scientist, 711 HPW, "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."

Twenty-three students, from undergraduates to those working on a doctorate, are participating in the SMART program at the 711 HPW. Dr. Stone has made the program a top priority with a goal of increasing the number of students who participate each year.