REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Feb. 9, 2015) -- "Who is Andrew Smith."
"This Aerospace Engineer from Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center was a recent contestant on the game show sensation, 'Jeopardy!' "
An 8-year employee of AMRDEC's Weapons Development and Integration directorate, Smith went through several rounds of auditions before he was cast into a contestant pool for the syndicated broadcast show. He dedicated himself to studying strategy and history for several months and after much tenacity and hopeful anticipation, producers called Smith in November 2014 and told him he was selected as a contestant. Smith's participation on the game show aired Jan. 29.
"I believe that the personality of engineers is good for preparation," Smith said. "I had a fairly regimented and methodical studying plan which I followed. I think engineers also have a propensity to want to learn, not just about science but about everything else too."
Smith's methodical study plan included watching the game more intently and committing to practice.
"I watched the show standing up with a pen for a buzzer while my awesomely supportive wife recorded the ones I got right and wrong. The week before my filming, I was visiting my family in Michigan and played along to 'Jeopardy!' every night with them all watching me to simulate an audience which I believe helped with my nerves," said Smith. "My biggest fear going into the game was that they would ask about an astronaut or missile system and I'd blank. I like Huntsville and it would be a shame to have to leave town in disgrace"
Because the show does not provide transportation or the cost of a hotel stay, the money Smith earned with his second place title essentially paid for a short vacation in Los Angeles and an interesting story to tell people.
Returning back to Madison with his newlywed wife, Jessica, Andrew watched the show with the support of Team Redstone on his side. "It was great how supportive all my coworkers were. Everyone was cheering me on and people sent encouraging emails and texts during the game's airing."
Smith works at WDI in the Energetic Materials Function.
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The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
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