The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.
SMART Scholars Receive:
Cash award paid at a rate of $25,000 - $41,000 per year depending on prior educational experience
NASA solicitation for Missions of Opportunity proposals
"Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice (SALMON)" is being released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on September 3, 2008. This Announcement of Opportunity (AO) solicits investigations that address the science objectives of the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD) astrobiology, lunar science, and planetary science programs and the Exploration Science Mission Directorate's (ESMD) fundamental space biology program. The complete SALMON AO can be found at
http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga; Program Executive for Missions of Opportunity; Mail Stop 7F25; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Washington, DC 20546-0001; TEL: (757) 846-5880; E-mail: salmonao@nasa.gov (subject line to read "SALMON AO").
Texas Southern University receives NTA's support for AESP
Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas, will use the resources of the National Technical Association to fulfill the responsibilities of the Aerospace Education Project (AESP) at all NASA regional offices. NTA has a nationwide network including institutions of higher education, state departments of education, school districts, schools, museums, science centers, and community organizations.TSU acquired a letter from the National President of NTA expressing their interest and willingness to provide access to their network of affiliates for services to teachers and students.NTA is implementing a similar network in Guam, Virgin Islands, and other U.S. Territories through their student and professional chapters.
Dr. Pamela Denkins Honored by Texas Southern University
NTA member and NASA Johnson Space Center scientist and administrator Dr. Pamela Denkins was recently honored by Texas Southern University by inviting her to be commencement speaker at their August 11, 2007 graduation ceremony. Dr. Denkins is a graduate of TSU, where she got her bachelor’s degree in physics, a master’s degree in mathematics, and a doctorate in environmental toxicology. Presently, she is Technical Officer and Grants Administrator for the Human Research Program Ground-based Research Initiatives. In her commencement speech, she described her own TSU/NASA relationship, which began in 1968, the year she became a NASA junior cooperative education student, and also her work with NASA programs, some of which were implemented at TSU since 2002. She also gave accolades to NASA’s programs, which are “designed to educate, inspire, and promote interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology careers, education, and small business initiatives. She closed her speech by reiterating the need for engineers and researchers in NASA’s work force, and how institutions like TSU could fill that void. She also encouraged the graduates to “visualize their success so that they may achieve their goals.”
NTA Past President Larry King Has New Assignment
Lawrence P. King, of Deblar and Associates, Inc., has accepted a contract assignment as Environmental Health Specialist with the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, (ATSDR). In this assignment, King will assist and support professional and scientific staff conduct quality assurance reviews of scientific data, research technical issues & interpret environmental health data developed for process consultations, public health assessments, exposure investigations, and technical assistance activities between the Agency and states.Previously, King has devoted 20 years working with energy and environmental research technologists to develop advanced energy systems and environmental controls, interpreting PCB remediation plans, designing environmental education strategies, and serving with the Community Outreach & Communication working group to help plan for the National Children’s Study led by the National Institute of Health, (NIH).
Rupert Graham Appointed Cook County, Illinois Highway Superintendent
NTA member and Registered Agent Rupert Graham, Jr., P.E., has been appointed as the new Cook County Highway Superintendent. Graham will oversee one of the largest road building and infrastructure maintenance operations in the region. In the past 5 years, CookCounty has designed, let, and awarded $375 million in highway construction contracts. That includes $80 million in projects scheduled for the 2007 season, and $330 million in projects for the 4year period between 2006 and 2010.
He serves as the County’s first African American to head this multimillion dollar agency, a role he has held as interim Superintendent since the retirement of the previous appointee. He has over 30 years of professional experience, including over 20 years of service with municipal, county, and state infrastructure projects, primarily in the consulting engineering arena.
Robert Shepard Wins Science Spectrum Award
Dr. Robert Shepard, of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Science and Engineering Alliance, Inc. (SEA), is one of three Laboratory employees to win awards from Science Spectrum magazine for being top performers in their fields. An organic chemist by training and education, Dr. Shepard is also the founding executive of the Science and Engineering Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit education research consortium of four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The SEA, headquartered in Washington, DC, collaborates on research projects for government agencies, the private sector, and other universities to increase the participation of faculty in underrepresented academic institutions in a broad range of scientific and technical disciplines. Dr. Shepard joined the SEA at its inception in 1990, giving up his prestigious position at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Dr. Shephard has also devoted a significant portion of his time in support of science and technical education in the DC area public schools, and is an affiliate of the NTA Washington, DC Chapter.
