Ryland Ross ’26 has been selected as a recipient of the nationally competitive Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (DoD SMART) Scholarship. Ross, a physics and applied math double major, will receive full tuition, annual stipends, a summer internship, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense as a recipient of the award.
“While in school, I will continue my studies as normal,” explains Ross. “Then, in the summer of 2025, I will work at the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as an intern. After graduation, I will work there full time as a test engineer.”
The DoD SMART Scholarship is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students. SMART offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. The DoD civilian workforce is responsible for solving our nation’s most complex challenges by developing the next generation of defense technologies. DoD’s culture of innovation requires a diverse and highly talented STEM workforce.
Ross, from Cinnaminson, N.J., has been highly engaged with research during his first two years at Colgate. The summer after his first year, Ross participated in an NSF REU at the University of Arkansas. Here he worked on a nano-satellite project, ARKSAT-2, through the department of mechanical engineering. ARKSAT-2 will be sent to space through coordination with NASA and Space-X upon completion. Currently, Ross works as a research assistant in Professor Beth Parks’ lab developing a tool allowing homeowners to assess the insulation of their homes accurately and inexpensively.
Aside from research, Ross is the captain of the men’s volleyball club team, vice president of Colgate University’s Society of Physics Students, and a member of co-ed club basketball, the hiking club, grilling club, and ski club. He is also a student mentor for the American Physical Society’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance. In this role, promotes equity within physics departments both at Colgate and nationally.
Ross shares, “My advice to my peers would be to apply to many opportunities, whether they be jobs, scholarships, or research positions. I applied to numerous positions and received offers from places where I never would have pictured myself working until now. You never know until you try.”
To learn more about the DoD SMART Scholarship or other nationally competitive awards, reach out to Meghan Niedt, mniedt@colgate.edu, in the Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships to schedule an appointment.