Learn About the DoD SMART Scholarship Program with Wilkes Alumna Dr. Kaitlyn Sitch

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IEEE Wilkes University Student Branch Hosts DoD SMART Scholarship Program Guest Speaker

The Wilkes University IEEE Student Branch will host Dr. Kaitlyn Sitch, an Electrical Research Engineer with the U.S. Navy at NSWC Philadelphia, for a presentation on the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship Program on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon in Stark Learning Center, Room 263.
Sitch, a 2018 Wilkes electrical engineering graduate and former SMART Scholar, earned her Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Temple University in 2023. She will discuss the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, a Department of Defense STEM initiative that combines educational support with workforce development opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students in critical STEM fields.
All engineering, mathematics, computer science and science majors are encouraged to attend.

  Date and Time

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  • 244 S. River St.
  • (SUB Parking Lot)
  • Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
  • United States 18766
  • Building: Stark Learning Center
  • Room Number: 263
  • Click here for Map
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  • Starts 26 September 2026 04:00 AM UTC
  • Ends 29 September 2026 04:00 AM UTC
  • No Admission Charge

  Speakers

Kaitlyn

Topic:

DoD SMART Scholarship Program

Dr. Kaitlyn Sitch, a Wilkes University electrical engineering alumna and former DoD SMART Scholar, will discuss the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program. The talk will highlight scholarship opportunities, the SMART Scholar experience, and career pathways within the Department of Defense for students in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and other STEM fields.

Biography:

Dr. Kaitlyn Sitch is an Electrical Research Engineer with the U.S. Navy at NSWC Philadelphia. She earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Wilkes University in 2018 and her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Temple University in 2023. A former DoD SMART Scholar, her doctoral research focused on efficient, flexible, and resilient control of hybrid-electric shipboard microgrids.




Agenda

                                                                                                                                                                                                
11:00–11:05 AM      Welcome and Introductions — IEEE Wilkes University Student Branch; introduction of Dr. Kaitlyn Sitch 

11:05–11:15 AM      From Wilkes to NSWC Philadelphia — Dr. Sitch's path from Wilkes Electrical Engineering to graduate school, the SMART Scholarship, and her career with the U.S. Navy

11:15–11:30 AM      Understanding the DoD SMART Scholarship Program — Purpose of the program, eligible STEM disciplines and degree levels, scholarship-for-service model, and opportunities within the Department of Defense

11:30–11:40 AM      The SMART Scholar Experience — Dr. Sitch's experience as a SMART Scholar, technical work, professional development, and transition into the DoD workforce

11:40–11:50 AM      Applying for SMART — What students should know about preparing an application, identifying opportunities, and positioning themselves for the program

11:50–11:58 AM      Student Q&A — Questions about SMART, graduate school, engineering careers, research, and working for the Department of Defense 

11:58 AM–12:00 PM   Closing Remarks — IEEE Student Branch announcements, thanks to Dr. Sitch, and follow-up information                                                                                                      


SMART Scholar Program