Seniors in mechanical engineering earn DoW SMART Scholarships
Published: Sep 29, 2026 3:40 PM
By Staff Report
Josh Rice, left, and Hannah Kirkham.
Two seniors in mechanical engineering, Josh Rice and Hannah Kirkham, are recipients of the highly competitive SMART Scholarship, a Department of War (DoW) scholarship-for-service program that provides full tuition, annual stipends, paid internships and guaranteed civilian employment after graduation.
The SMART Scholarship is a leading education-to-workforce development initiative focused on attracting and retaining top technical talent in critical and emerging technologies. The program offers students hands-on experience at more than 100 laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and the DoW.
Rice, an Honors College student from Huntsville, grew up in a family familiar with civilian work for the U.S. Army and appreciated the amount of effort put into protecting U.S. soldiers.
“Being offered the opportunity to educate myself and build my career for the express purpose of defense has deepened my appreciation for the people and effort dedicated to supporting those in the field,” Rice said. “Having a guaranteed career and investment from the Army has allowed me to focus on developing my skills so that I can be prepared to work effectively in my future roles.”
Through the scholarship, Rice will receive funding for graduate study that supports his long-term education and career goals.
“Having a specific job and career path in mind while in school gives students an opportunity to prepare for and excel in their entry-level roles,” he said. “Gaining experience directly related to your future job while still in school is an incredible opportunity.”
“Josh is a great student and a great researcher,” said Scott Martin, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. “The SMART scholarship is well deserved, and I look forward to seeing his academic and research career progress.”
Kirkham, also an Honors College student from Huntsville, was raised by a family and community deeply familiar with civil service work.
“Pursuing a career in this field has always felt like a natural extension of where I come from and I’m excited for where this opportunity is taking me,” she said.
Through the scholarship, Kirkham has secured a position with the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.
“I'm excited to start a career in national defense and to play a part in supporting the warfighter, doing work that has a direct impact on the people who serve,” Kirkham said. “It means my education has a clear purpose beyond a diploma, since it is preparation for a role I already know I'm stepping into.”
Rick Williams, a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering, said he admires Kirkham’s “willingness to pursue a career that supports the national security of the United States.”
“This opportunity is an excellent match for her strengths and aspirations, and I am confident she will make meaningful contributions to solving challenges of national importance,” Williams said.
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