DOD SMART Scholar recognizes multilayered value of engineering mentor

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- Hannah Epstein is currently working as a mechanical engineer at Picatinny Arsenal, but her link to Picatinny goes back to when she was a member of a high school robotics team at her northern New Jersey high school.

The Arsenal has a long history of sponsoring high school robotics teams, hoping to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and contribute to a skilled workforce to meet the nation’s future national defense challenges.

Epstein’s connection to Picatinny tightened when she was selected for a Department of Defense program called Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service. Selected students receive a full STEM scholarship, internships, and guaranteed placement at a DOD facility upon graduation.

Epstein graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2024 from the University of Delaware, and started working her DOD sponsoring facility at Picatinny, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center.

"SMART has given me the confidence to throw myself into any and all opportunities regarding working for the DOD," says Epstein.

She currently works within the Munitions Engineering Technology Center as a Project Engineer on the 25 mm Ammunition Production Team, part of the Ground Combat Branch of the Medium Caliber and Cannon Munitions Division.

Epstein’s mentor on the ammunition team is Steven Kotz, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018 from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Kotz started working at Picatinny in 2019 in the Ground Combat Branch of the Medium Caliber and Cannon Munitions Division.

His initial assignment was Project Engineer for 25 mm and 30 mm ammunition production. In 2022, Kotz became the sole member of the 25 mm Production Team, and worked to ensure that the 25 mm ammunition being produced met the quality, reliability, and effectiveness standards set by the U.S. Army.

More recently, Kotz is now leading a team of engineers to support the 25 mm production efforts while also supporting the overarching mission of Medium and Cannon Caliber Munitions.

Motivated by her rewarding interactions with Kotz, Epstein nominated him for the Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Defense SMART Scholar and Mentor of the Year Award, and herself by default.

In her narrative nominating Kotz as Mentor of the Year, Epstein noted that she originally believed that her placement in the 25 mm group was largely due to fill a staffing gap, “as it was evident that Steve had been tackling a ton of work on his own while still offering additional support to other medium caliber teams.”

Over time, however, Epstein viewed her placement as much more than an effort to address a staffing shortfall. “I quickly came to realize that Steve is the absolute embodiment and definition of a mentor,” she wrote. ”He is constructive, intuitive, and encouraging. As a fresh college graduate, learning about the Army and everything that our job entails was incredibly daunting, and Steve has been nothing but patient and informative. Being a good mentor means being an even better teacher, and Steve has been diligent in making sure that I am equipped with the knowledge to confidently do my job and understand the bigger picture.”

Epstein also noted how Kotz adopts a broader perspective of the overall mission beyond his own immediate responsibilities.

“Steve is always looking for opportunities to collaborate efforts with other medium caliber teams.,” Epstein noted. “We work in the Ground Combat Munitions Branch, where teams are split between 25 mm, 30 mm, and 50 mm.

“While Steve is the current 25 mm Production Lead, he is always aware of the triumphs and potential setbacks that the other teams go through—either to offer help and advice, or to preemptively address problems that could occur in any 25 mm program.”

As a SMART Scholar learning the ropes, Epstein also observed the multiple facets that contributed to the effectiveness she witnessed in Kotz.

“Steve is a force of nature to work alongside. After spending years working dual contracts for multiple rounds for ammunition simultaneously, his attention to detail and rapport with other DOD personnel and Defense contractors is admirable.

“This fall, he was awarded a challenge coin from PM-MAS (Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems) to reward him for his dedication and passion towards ensuring that the Army's current production of 25mm is resulting in ammunition that is effective and reliable. Steve works to ensure that good products are going into the field, and he truly always has the warfighter in mind.”

Beyond imparting the nitty-gritty skills needed to perform her job, Epstein appreciates how Kotz has helped her to evolve and grow in multiple ways.

“He understands when to guide me through tasks and when to take the training wheels off, and he has been my biggest supporter since day one.

“When I fail to be confident in my work or my technical opinions, Steve is the first one to push me to speak up. Even when I don't know what I am capable of, he does. This is the trademark sign of a mentor— someone who provides you with the resources and guidance to become a better version of yourself.”

The SMART program managers who administer the SMART Scholar and Mentor Award have informed the Armaments Center that Epstein and Kotz were not selected this year.

However, because of the “impressive” nomination package, “SMART intends to highlight and promote your notable achievements via the SMART Program social media platforms throughout the year.”

For his part, Kotz saw tremendous value in the nomination process itself.

“Our submission didn’t necessarily win this year, but I couldn’t be happier that Hannah had a chance to showcase her time and work thus far with the production efforts that keep the industrial base moving,” Kotz said.

“I strive to ensure the scholars/interns entrusted to my mentorship understand the importance and meaning behind the work we do. The goal for my management and myself is always to ensure the SMART scholars that come under our purview have an overwhelmingly positive experience and continue to carry excitement and energy into the team and work.”

Since the nomination was submitted, the duties of Kotz and Epstein have expanded. Kotz is now the Team Lead for 25 mm, 30 mm, and M1173 production. Epstein is the Cartridge Lead for the 25 mm M919 and supports production for 25 mm, 30 mm, and M1173 ammunition as needed.

“I will most likely submit for the award again next year now that Steve and I have both seen a steep increase in responsibility,” Epstein said.