ME Ph.D. student William Smith has been awarded a prestigious scholarship under the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service program, established by the Department of Defense (DoD). The award will support Smith for three years while he completes his Ph.D. This year, SMART received over 3300 applications, and selected approximately 250-300 awardees.
The aim of the SMART program is to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories. To this end, once he has completed his graduate work, Smith will serve a minimum of three years at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, MI. Thus, in addition to receiving full tuition, education-related fees and a cash stipend, SMART scholarship winners benefit from employment placement after graduation.
Professor Huei Peng and Research Professor Zoran Filipi, both of ME, act as Smith’s advisors. “William is a smart and hard-working student, who has passion for new energy for future robotic systems,” commented Peng. “This award is a well-deserved and timely recognition.” Said Filipi, “In addition to excellent results in the classroom, William demonstrated great enthusiasm for research on alternative propulsion systems.” Smith’s research focuses on energy system design and control optimization for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for reliable operation over an extended mission.
