PhD Candidate Audrey Biondi Receives Awarded SMART Scholarship

Audrey Biondi Kellogg, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences was awarded the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholarship.

This award provides students with full tuition for up to five years, summer internships, a stipend and full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. This unique opportunity offers students hands-on experience at one of over 200 of the nation’s most innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and larger Department of Defense. During summer internships, SMART Scholars work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining valuable technical skills. After graduation Audrey will work at The Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island.   

Audrey is currently studying biology, with a special focus in bio-inspired robotics. Audrey said, “I am extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to work at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, learning new skills in biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and bioinspired design, and to contribute to the progress of projects of national importance” about the award.

The Department of Defense is the largest employer of scientists and engineers in the nation with nearly 300,000 STEM professionals. 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.

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ABOUT THE SMART PROGRAM

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the Department of Defense.