UTEP Geological Sciences Doctoral Student Receives Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
Last Updated on September 06, 2022 at 12:00 AM
Originally published September 06, 2022
By MC Staff
UTEP Marketing and Communications
Iliana Galvan Garcia, a doctoral student in the Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso, was awarded the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship by the Department of Defense.
The SMART Scholarship covers tuition for Garcia’s doctoral degree in geophysics. In addition, she will receive a guaranteed civilian position with the Department of Defense. Specifically, Garcia will have her first professional opportunity with the Naval Oceanographic Office at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
“I am honored to be named a recipient of the SMART Scholarship provided by the National Defense Education Program,” Garcia said. “I would like to thank my adviser, Dr. Julien Chaput, and my co-adviser, Dr. Aaron Velasco, for their support, guidance and patience throughout the application process. I also acknowledge and extend my thanks to Dr. Jason Ricketts and Dr. Richard Langford for being so kind to provide reference letters and serve as a point of contact. This was possible with their help.”
For every year of funding awarded, Garcia will work one year at the Navy facility. She expects to complete her doctoral degree in May 2024.
In addition to full tuition, the SMART Scholarship provides an annual stipend, a book and health insurance allowance, and summer internships. During the summer internships, SMART scholars work directly with an experienced mentor while gaining valuable field experience and skills at their facility.
After graduation, scholars begin their service commitment at the same facility, where they will work full time as civilian employees and contribute to protecting national security.
