7 UCF Engineering Students Awarded SMART Scholarships to Take on National Defense Challenges

Highlights

• Seven UCF students - Katey Bright, Annie Driskell, Nathan Couch '25, Hunter Glass, Johanna Matias '12, Jonathan Meyers '26 and Jean Bernard Pierre - have earned the U.S. Department of Defense's Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship.

• The program provides full tuition, summer internships and civilian employment with the DOD upon graduation.

• Scholars are building on their UCF education to pursue careers in propulsion, aerospace systems, machine learning, digital forensics and more.

The next national defense breakthrough could begin in a combustion lab, a line of code or a digital investigation. Seven UCF students are preparing to help make it happen.

Through the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)'s Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, they'll put their technical talents to work serving their country as civilians. The prestigious scholarship provides full tuition, summer internships and civilian employment upon graduation - connecting their education to challenges with national impact.

As the department's largest STEM education and workforce development initiative, the SMART Scholarship prepares future leaders through hands-on experience at more than 150 DOD facilities advancing artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomy, space, 5G and other technology areas.

Four of the seven UCF students awarded the U.S. Department of Defense's Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship, from left: Jonathan Meyers '26, Hunter Glass, Jean Bernard Pierre and Annie Driskell.

The recipients are aerospace engineering majors Katey Bright and Annie Driskell; computer science doctoral student Nathan Couch '25; electrical engineering major Hunter Glass; industrial engineering doctoral student Johanna Matias '12; computer engineering master's student Jonathan Meyers '26; and digital forensics master's student Jean Bernard Pierre.

For the four scholars featured below, the award opens a path to advance their education, launch their careers and empower them to shape the future.

Katey Bright: Fueling a Future in Propulsion

Bright wants to push propulsion research forward while serving her country. The SMART Scholarship brings those ambitions together.

"My background in aerospace and mechanical engineering, with a focus on combustion, propulsion, shock tube experiments, laser diagnostics and chemical kinetic modeling, closely aligns with the program's mission," Bright says. "This alignment positions me to contribute meaningfully to defense-related research and technology development."

In the Vasu Lab, directed by UCF Trustee Chair Professor Subith Vasu, Bright studies combustion conditions for energetics and propellants. She says the opportunity to work on real-world engineering problems drew her to UCF and helped prepare her for the scholarship.

"My time in the lab has provided valuable hands-on experience with shock tube experiments, kinetic modeling, data analysis and scientific communication, preparing me well for the SMART Scholarship opportunity."

Bright views the program as a launchpad for her dream career as a research engineer in defense and propulsion.

"This opportunity inspires me to continue advancing combustion and propulsion research while contributing to cleaner, more efficient and more reliable energy and defense technologies."

Annie Driskell: Taking Flight Beyond Earth

For Driskell, a fascination with flight began at home.

"Since childhood, aviation has been part of my everyday life," Driskell says. "I grew up in a military family with my dad serving as a Navy pilot, and being surrounded by aircraft naturally sparked a lasting curiosity about how things fly and how the universe works."

She chose UCF for its strong aerospace engineering program, proximity to Florida's Space Coast and connections to the space industry. Her military upbringing also gave her an early appreciation for the dedication, sacrifice and sense of purpose of those who serve.

"As new advancements emerge in the aerospace industry, from major space discoveries to revolutionary technologies, I believe increased global competition can also create new national security challenges," Driskell says. "I want to be part of advancing aerospace technology while helping ensure the United States is prepared to address those challenges."

As a SMART Scholar, Driskell will work for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, taking a step toward her ambition of developing technologies that expand humanity's reach beyond Earth.

"Whether I am one member on a large engineering team or helping refine a single component, the chance to support revolutionary technology that expands our understanding of space is exactly the kind of work I hope to do."

Jonathan Meyers '26: Engineering Smarter Solutions

After earning his bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Meyers returned to UCF to pursue his master's and become a two-time Knight. Through SMART, he'll continue his work with the Naval Enterprise Research Data Science Lab at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD).

Coworkers who became SMART Scholars early in their careers encouraged him to apply. Their experiences showed him how the program could help expand his skills and opportunities.

Meyers will work with Nelson Lerma, a senior data science/ product manager at NAWCTSD, whose mentorship has helped him grow.

"Dr. Nelson Lerma … constantly pushes me to grow my technical skills and diversify my experience while also staying grounded and making the right decisions," Meyers says.

Meyers values computer engineering's range of applications and wants to use that versatility to address emerging challenges through machine learning.

"My goal is to continue research into machine learning topics and develop cutting-edge solutions to new and emerging problems," Meyers says. "By furthering my knowledge and building connections to both professors and my fellow students, I believe I have a better chance of achieving this goal while also making great friends along the way."

Jean Bernard Pierre: Returning to Service, Equipped for Digital Threats

For Pierre, the SMART Scholarship connects his next chapter to the mission that started his career.

Before pursuing his master's in digital forensics, Pierre served as a U.S. Navy information systems specialist and worked at the FBI Computer Forensics Laboratory.

"My interest in computing grew from a desire to see how intelligent systems can automate complex tasks while remaining secure," Pierre says. "During my time in the Navy and supporting the forensics lab, I saw firsthand how essential digital evidence and secure networks are to both public safety and national defense."

Pierre sees the scholarship as a bridge between that operational background and his future in digital forensics and threat mitigation.

"It allows me to transition back seamlessly into the Department of Defense workforce, where I can apply digital forensics and threat mitigation to safeguard critical national security systems."

He chose UCF for its strong cybersecurity programs and integration with the National Center for Forensic Science.

"UCF integrates high-level technical rigor with practical, real-world application," Pierre says. "It gives me access to advanced forensic tools and testing platforms that both challenge and prepare me for the complex demands of the defense sector."

After earning his master's degree, Pierre hopes to help detect, analyze and neutralize digital threats, building on his military service with new expertise.

"The SMART Scholarship is far more than funding; it is a truly transformational career engine, a direct pipeline back to the mission [that] began years ago in the U.S. Navy - back to where it all started."

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