Julia C. Rodano from Montclair State University Awarded SMART Scholarship

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a comprehensive initiative awarding students full tuition for up to five years, mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and guaranteed post- graduate employment with the Department of Defense. This unique opportunity opens doors to over 100 cutting-edge facilities across various branches of the Department of Defense, providing scholars hands-on experience in their field. During their summer internships, scholars are paired with experienced mentors to enhance their technical expertise. Upon completing her studies, Rodano will work full-time at Air Force Research Lab Sensors Directorate at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Rodano said, “I am honored to have been awarded the SMART Scholarship. I found my passion for robotics and STEM in high school at Mount Saint Dominic Academy. Here at Montclair State University, I searched out research opportunities to extend and apply what I was learning in my coursework. I look forward to returning to Montclair in the fall of 2025 to complete a MS in Data Science and then beginning a career with the Department of Defense.”

The Department of Defense is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers, with nearly 300,000 civilian STEM professionals, and plays a pivotal role in developing the nation’s future STEM workforce. Initiatives like the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, combined with other Department of Defense education and outreach efforts, continue to build the future STEM workforce, upholding our nation’s scientific and technological edge. For more details on the SMART Program and application guideline, interested students are encouraged to visit the SMART website. The application is open annually from August through the first Friday in December.