LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two University of Kentucky engineering graduates have been awarded prestigious Defense Department SMART Scholarships, advancing to doctoral programs while gaining full tuition support and internship opportunities with federal defense agencies.

Grant Fischer, of Crescent Springs, Kentucky, and Spencer Goode-Kulchar, of Richmond, Kentucky, both graduated in May with bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering. Both will pursue doctoral degrees in electrical engineering at the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, where they will conduct research in the SPARK Laboratory under the direction of Dan Ionel, L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power.

The Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship is a Department of Defense program designed to develop civilian scientists and engineers critical to national security. The competitive award provides full tuition support and annual stipends while scholars complete summer research internships at Defense Department facilities.

Fischer will intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Philadelphia division, focusing on electric power systems research. Goode-Kulchar will conduct internships at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, where his work centers on electric machines and drives.

Fischer, who was also a Lewis Honors College student, said the scholarship will allow him to "contribute to transformative and cutting-edge technologies that create a positive impact on our nation and the world." He credited faculty advisor Ionel and mentors including Ph.D. graduates Rosemary Alden and Donovin Lewis, along with Ph.D. candidates Steven Poore and Kwabena Kyeremeh.

Goode-Kulchar expressed similar aspirations, saying the scholarship "will allow me to contribute to the national initiatives and efforts for national security and technological advancement." He also cited Ionel, Alden, Lewis and Ph.D. candidate Matin Vatani as mentors who shaped his research focus.

The scholarship recipients are required to accept civilian positions with the Department of Defense following graduation, making the award both an educational investment and a workforce development initiative. Since its establishment in 2006, the SMART program has awarded over 5,800 scholarships with a 91% completion rate.

For more information on SMART Scholarships and other award opportunities, prospective students may contact UK's Office of Nationally Competitive Awards.