Calling all mentors for 2009 Wright Scholar Program

  • Published
  • By Debbie Miller
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The deadline to accept mentors for the Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program, a program established to foster the education of promising young scientists and engineers in a hands-on atmosphere, is March 9. 

For seven years, the WS program has brought the brightest post-juniors and seniors, who are interested in science and engineering, from area high schools to the Air Force Research Laboratory each summer. During the 10-12 week program, the students work with Wright-Patterson's world-class scientists and engineers on a research project. Some of the projects include: testing materials, tracking data, creating databases, charting data, modeling and programming. 

"We have a responsibility as scientists and engineers to shepherd our trade and nurture the next generation of S&Es to come in behind us," said Joe Sciabica, executive director of the Air Force Research Laboratory. "The best way I know how to do that is to get these kids into positions where they get some hands-on opportunities to touch and feel the science and engineering work we do." 

Wright Scholars participate in a number of activities designed to give students a well-rounded look at careers in research and engineering, exposing them to all aspects of computational and experimental research. At the end of the program, the students utilize what they learn to present their research to their mentors and peers. 

The WS program is also helping build the foundation of the future AFRL research and development workforce. Many Wright Scholars choose to stay with the Air Force in the Student Temporary Employment Program or as co-ops well into their college career. 

"The mentors of the Wright Scholar program truly are shaping the engineers of the future," said Michael Ooten, an engineering co-op and former Wright Scholar. "I gained engineering experience as a high school student and confirmed that aeronautical engineering was what I wanted to study at Ohio State." 

Another example of how the WS program is building the future work force is the experience of Justin Estepp. Mr. Estepp began as one of the original Wright Scholars in 2002, continued on as a STEP student throughout his college career and is now a full-time engineer in the AFRL Human Effectiveness Directorate. 

"I now work in the same lab I started in as a Wright Scholar," said Mr. Estepp. "The 10 weeks I spent as a Wright Scholar Research Assistant in the summer of 2002 gave me my first exposure to the leading-edge research and technology being developed at AFRL, but it certainly wasn't my last!" 

Mr. Estepp now plans to be a mentor for a student this summer, coming full circle from Wright Scholar to mentor. 

The program recently received over 200 applications from qualified high school students and plans to place as many as possible. Interested mentors for the summer session must first seek approval from their branch chiefs since students are paid from branch funds to which they are assigned. After receiving approval, contact Debbie Miller, WS program administrator, at 937-255-1870 or email her at debra.miller@wpafb.af.mil.

For more information about the Wright Scholar program, please visit http://www.wpafb.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8191.