ATEC SMART Scholar Profile - Susanna Kress

Where are you from, and what sparked your interest in STEM and, ultimately, your decision to apply for the Department of War SMART Scholarship?

I was born and raised in Elkton, Maryland, and graduated from Elkton High School in May 2021. My interest in STEM began at an early age, and was largely influenced by my father, who has worked in both the engineering and aviation fields. Through him, I was exposed to the STEM world, which sparked my curiosity about how things work.

From a young age, I was fascinated by manufacturing and engineering processes. I would spend my early mornings watching "How It’s Made." These experiences laid the foundation for my passion for engineering, and my exposure to the scholarship program ultimately motivated me to apply for the SMART Scholarship.

Tell me about your educational journey. What are you studying (university and major), and was there a specific class, project, or mentor that solidified your passion for your field?

I started college in August 2021, and currently, I am a senior mechanical engineering student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, with a minor in applied mathematics. My academic concentration is in high-performance vehicles. Once I began taking specific courses, particularly vehicle dynamics, I was confident I had chosen the right degree.

What are some things that have surprised you, maybe a challenge you didn't expect, or an aspect of the Army's engineering and testing mission that you found uniquely interesting?

What surprised me was the projects themselves. Initially, I hadn’t had much exposure to the technologies developed and evaluated by the Army, so it was both exciting and eye-opening to work with emerging technologies that eventually will be integrated into Army operations.

Can you describe a specific project or task you've worked on at ATEC that you're particularly proud of? What was your role, and what did you learn from it about real-world engineering or test and evaluation?

During my time at ATEC, I worked on several projects. The most interesting and hands-on project was compiling data from previous evaluations to help create a new database for future use. I was the primary contributor for this effort. The project taught me that real-world engineering often lacks rigid guidelines, but requires adaptability, communication, and initiative. I collaborated with team members and personnel from other departments to understand and identify the long-term needs. This information helps us ensure that the database remains useful moving forward.

How has your academic training prepared you for your work at ATEC, and conversely, how has your hands-on ATEC experience informed your approach to your studies?

Both my academic training and my hands-on ATEC experience have complemented each other significantly. During my coursework, ATEC made a point to reinforce the importance of persistence and problem-solving. The coursework strengthened my ability to approach challenges head-on and to see tasks through to completion, while also giving me the necessary foundation to better understand complex engineering problems.

Looking ahead to your post-graduation career with ATEC, what are you most excited about? Is there a specific technology, problem set, or mission area you're eager to contribute to?

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects from start to finish. As an intern, my exposure has been limited to only segments of the evaluation process. Transitioning to a full-time role will give me a comprehensive understanding of the lifecycle of a project.

If you could give one piece of advice to a student considering the SMART Scholarship or a career in test and evaluation, what would it be?

My advice is simple: APPLY! The SMART Scholarship has provided me with tremendous academic and professional opportunities. It allowed me to focus fully on my studies without the burden of tuition or worrying about employment. It also gave me great exposure to the professional engineering environment. The experience gave me a greater understanding of workplace expectations, which helps me prepare for a future career in engineering.

To learn more about the SMART Scholarship program, including how to apply, visit https://www.smartscholarship.org.