{"id":148580,"date":"2025-08-13T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T13:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=148580"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:31:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T17:31:53","slug":"3-engineering-students-selected-for-department-of-defense-smart-scholars-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/3-engineering-students-selected-for-department-of-defense-smart-scholars-program\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Engineering Students Selected for Department of Defense SMART Scholars Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

UCF engineering students Carlos Arteaga, Chance Brewer \u201920<\/strong> and Jean-Philippe Perrault \u201906 \u201914MBA<\/strong> have been selected for the Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program.<\/p>\n

Unlike a typical scholarship that only covers the cost of tuition and fees, the SMART scholarship also provides an annual stipend, a summer internship, an experienced mentor and guaranteed employment with the DOD after graduation.<\/p>\n

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees who can commit to one year of employment with the DOD upon graduation. The goal is to develop a talent pipeline of technically proficient professionals who can meet the nation\u2019s security needs.<\/p>\n

Carlos Arteaga<\/h2>\n

M.S. in civil engineering<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For Arteaga, applying for the DOD SMART Scholarship program was a no-brainer. He already works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a geotechnical engineer and plans to use his time in the program to develop as a professional within that agency. He says this program stood out because it aligned perfectly with his values of technical excellence, service to country and long-term impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was drawn to the program\u2019s integration of academic advancement with real-world application, especially within the DOD\u2019s infrastructure and research divisions,\u201d Arteaga says. \u201cThe opportunity to contribute to national security while deepening my expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering made it an ideal fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a master\u2019s student on the non-thesis track, Arteaga plans to take a more practical approach to the internship. He hopes to gain a better understanding of how engineering decisions are made in defense and looks forward to collaborating with experts across the DOD.<\/p>\n

Balancing coursework with a job and the responsibilities of the DOD program is no easy feat, but Arteaga says that the flexibility and technical rigor are what drew him to UCF\u2019s graduate programs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe curriculum has strengthened my foundation in structural and geotechnical principle while also enhancing my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively,\u201d Arteaga says. \u201cCombined with my experience at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, my time at UCF has prepared me to contribute confidently and competently to the DOD\u2019s mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chance Brewer \u201920<\/h2>\n

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Through his work in the Putnam Lab, managed by Shawn Putnam, mechanical engineering associate professor, Brewer has had the chance to collaborate on research projects sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). As a DOD SMART scholar, Brewer will rejoin the AFRL team to work on research related to his expertise.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy academic research on multifunctional materials in thermal management systems is already closely tied with the work I will be doing with AFRL, but the challenges and applications I am targeting will shift to focus on thermal control for space vehicles,\u201d Brewer says. \u201cOver the past two summers I have worked with the same team that I will be working with for SMART, so I am already very familiar with the community that I will be joining after I graduate, and I feel very fortunate to be joining such a great team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brewer thanks Putnam as well as the UCF Office of Undergraduate Research and the UCF Academic Advancement Programs office for their support and encouragement to get involved with research as an undergraduate student. He credits their guidance and sense of community with shaping his graduate experience and, ultimately, a career with the DOD.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy ultimate goal from this experience is to establish a career within AFRL leading research on coupled thermal and optical materials for thermal monitoring and control systems,\u201d Brewer says. \u201cThrough these efforts, I also hope to learn how we can leverage thermal solutions being developed for space applications to help support missions across the DOD and to help advance thermal management systems for commercial technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jean-Philippe Perrault \u201906 \u201914MBA<\/h2>\n

Ph.D. in industrial engineering<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Like Arteaga, Perrault is already employed with the DOD. He works as an engineering supervisor for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). He\u2019s also a father of five, a chess coach an active community volunteer and a doctoral student. With a very full schedule, the DOD SMART Scholarship was a practical choice because it designates study time during work hours, alleviating the pressure of pursuing a Ph.D.<\/p>\n

After earning a bachelor\u2019s degree in mechanical engineering and a master\u2019s degree in business administration, Perrault returned to UCF in Fall 2024 to continue his studies. He also serves on the advisory board for the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems and with the encouragement of Professor Luis Rabelo, joined the industrial engineering doctoral program\u2019s systems engineering track.<\/p>\n

Perrault\u2019s research focuses on the development of a theoretical framework to adopt AI technology in military training systems. He says the SMART scholarship program will help him deepen his technical knowledge and in turn, inform his research.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond technical skills, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how research translates into real-world applications within the DOD, including navigating the complexities of defense innovation and collaboration,\u201d Perrault says. \u201cI also look forward to developing leadership, project management and interdisciplinary collaboration skills that will enable me to contribute effectively to the defense community both during and after my scholarship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perrault plans to continue working for the NAWCTSD but hopes to strengthen the collaborative relationship the agency has with UCF. As a three-time alum, he says that some of his most cherished memories were formed at UCF \u2014 memories of friendship, hard work and achievements.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a continually growing university located close to home, UCF has played a significant role in shaping my professional journey,\u201d Perrault says. \u201cMy success is largely attributed to the comprehensive education and experiences I gained here \u2014 the coursework, laboratories, professors and student support services all contributed to my development as a leader within our local community.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The scholarship includes an annual stipend, internship, mentorship and employment with the Department of Defense after 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