CEE Sophomore Ian Pumo has been awarded a Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship of $120,000. The SMART for Service Program was established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The SMART Scholarship is an opportunity for these STEM students to receive a full scholarship and to be gainfully employed upon degree completion.

The SMART program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories and supports individuals that demonstrate an aptitude conducting research. As such, the program primarily targets 'hand-on-the-bench' researchers and engineers. "This is why I started doing algae research with Dr. Marsolek and Dr. Thompson this year", said Pumo who will work as an intern for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New York State starting in the summer of 2012. He will continue his work there upon graduation in 2013.