REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- A Madison County high school student was recognized for contributions to an Army research program at the Madison County Board of Education's meeting Oct. 20.
Jayla Jones, a Sparkman High School junior, participated in the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program this summer. the Cruise Missile Defense Systems Project Office sponsored the study.
SEAP presents high school students the opportunity to identify and develop technical leadership and professional skills. Students work with mentors, Army scientists and engineers, to gain hands-on experience in a professional research setting where students are treated as research assistants.
Jones' mentor in the program was Eugene Edwards, a general engineer within AMRDEC's Weapons Development and Integration Directorate.
"The thing that's special about these students is if they are motivated enough, they can't stand to have free time," said Edwards. "They were always eager to do more work. Jayla was always thorough when it came to documenting and articulating her work. When the information didn't look right, she would question it, go back, and remeasure. Like a true scientist, she was always criticizing her results so she could get true and accurate results."
Jones' apprenticeship consisted of testing the shelf life of Army solid propellant systems. A rocket motor has solid propellant that degrades over time. Jones worked with carbon nanotube sensors which were developed to provide a cost effective option for assessing missile propellant shelf life.
The sensors collect gas from the propellant, revealing the propellant's age as the value of the sensor changes. Jones recorded data from the output of the sensors to ensure they were consistent and could operate under extreme environmental conditions.
During the meeting, CMDS Project Manager Col. Chuck Worshim presented Jones with a plaque and commended her for the progress she made on the project. He revealed that during her out briefing presentation, Jones identified objectives and research she would like to see continue next year.
"The earlier we get people involved in the sciences to know that it's exciting and interesting, they will carry on the legacy of the scientists before them," Worshim said. "If we don't keep them interested, we're going to lose them. Programs, like SEAP, help teach students develop an interest for science so that they can become the great leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Jayla is definitely on the right track."
"I believe you should always work hard because you never know where it will get you," said Jones. She also said she has plans to use this experience in the future. Her ideal job now involves bioengineering or marine biology.
Students interested in participating in the 2017 SEAP can apply Nov. 1 through Feb. 28. Eligibility criteria requires applicants must be a high school or undergraduate student in good standing and a U.S. citizen at least 17 years old. For more information, visit https://www.educationoutreachherald.com/amrdec-seapcql-program.
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The U.S. Army 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 ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center
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