USU Engineering Student Gets Smart with Prestigious $75,000 Scholarship

Utah State University mechanical and aerospace engineering student Luke Hanks received a prestigious scholarship from the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Program. The scholarship will total slightly more than $75,000 and be distributed over a three year period.

Hanks will receive an annual stipend of $25,000 per year, full tuition and related educational fees, a book allowance of up to $1,000 per year, health insurance and a paid internship and post-graduation employment with Ogden Air Logistics, located on Hill Air Force Base.

 

The SMART Program is managed by the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The American Society for Engineering Education works with the school to administer the program.

 

“This award will provide me with sufficient funds to concentrate entirely on my studies in aerospace engineering,” Hanks said. “This program will pay for my schooling until I complete my master's degree, while simultaneously jump-starting my career. I have secured my future in the career of my dreams.”

 

Hanks is finishing his junior year at USU and has focused his studies in the area of aerospace engineering. The scholarship will allow him to complete his undergraduate work and then finish his graduate work at USU. He said he believes he received the scholarship because of two main things — hard work and networking.

 

“No doubt my application, resume and transcript played a key role in securing the scholarship,” said Hanks. “Perhaps even more important is networking. I would advise all students to take advantage of the mentoring offered by their professors. In my experience, they have always been willing to answer any of my questions, whether academic or concerning careers. The letters of recommendation my professors wrote for me were no doubt crucial to my being chosen.”

 

Hanks is actively involved in the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and has coordinated several activities for the group. He personally invited employers to give presentations on campus, whether to recruit or just publicize their programs. One of the employers he invited was the civilian engineer group Ogden Air Logistics at Hill Air Force Base. After applying for a summer internship with the company, it was so impressed with his resume, that they recommended he apply for the SMART scholarship. From a competitive field of more than 2,000 applicants, Hanks received one of only 200 awards.

 

During his time at USU, Hanks has been involved in undergraduate research with mechanical and aerospace engineering professor David Geller. Other engineering professors he credits for his success include mentors Barton Smith, Thomas Fronk and Chris Hailey. He also said USU Career Services, especially Melissa Scheaffer, has been invaluable as he chose a career path.

 

“Luke’s analytical skills are outstanding,” Geller said. “He uses these skills to develop a deeper understanding of the problems he works on, and he often goes beyond what is required in his coursework. He has a desire to learn and this is reflected in his academic achievements. His maturity is also evident in how he prepares for his classes, in his work ethic, and how he conducts himself in all aspects of campus life.”

 

Ogden Air Logistics specializes in aircraft integrity — meaning it designs, redesigns and refurbishes aircrafts. Hanks’s placement with the company depends primarily on his interests. During his internship, he will be able to explore his options and then structure his coursework accordingly.

 

“The reputation of USU’s engineering program is a huge advantage to students when it comes time to apply for scholarships, fellowships and post-graduation employment,” Hanks said. “The research opportunities are like nowhere else in the state, especially in aerospace.”

 

Hanks said the USU faculty is fantastic and that he particularly enjoys the honors program.

 

“USU is a great place to be,” Hanks said. “The atmosphere is ideal for education. The campus is beautiful, the culture is tranquil but fun and there’s even plenty of art and culture. In my opinion, it’s a great university where a student can gain a well-rounded education.”

 

For more information about USU’s College of Engineering and its many study options, visit its Web site. For more information on the SMART Program, visit  its Web site.