AFC Scholars Research Symposium
AFC Scholars Research Symposium
Preparing college students for internships and apprenticeships in Army labs.
May 20, 2021
Taylor E. O'Guinn, STEM Program Coordinator, USAMRDC Contractor
Overview
Army Futures Command believes that tomorrow is worth protecting. This includes the Army's most valuable resource, the expertise and knowledge held by personnel, both current and future. To create better and faster innovative solutions, AFC invests in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors by offering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. These programs are designed to engage and interest students in STEM principles, ignite passion for solving the problems faced by today and tomorrow's Soldiers, and orient students to careers at the Department of Defense. The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command is part of AFC and works closely with AFC partners to offer STEM opportunities to students.
AFC hosted a Scholars Research Symposium on May 11, 2021 for selected college-level interns participating in AFC laboratories and research centers. This served as a kick-off to summer internships and apprenticeships. During the seminar, students had the opportunity to attend a virtual meet and greet with AFC leadership to learn about the organization, its laboratories, research centers, research priorities and career opportunities. General John Murray, commanding general of AFC, provided remarks on the importance of educational programs and the benefit that investing in youth has in preparing the next generation of innovators.
In addition to comments from General Murray, AFC provided an overview of AFC to familiarize students with the organization with which they will be interning. This was followed by a question and answer session between General Murray and the student attendees. Most students will begin their internships and apprenticeships in June.
Nearing the culmination of summer internships, there will be another AFC Scholars Research Symposium where select students will present their summer research projects to AFC, Army, DoD and other leaders. All presentations will be captured in a digital abstract book and published prior to the symposium. Students will be selected based on a set of criteria and input determined by AFC leadership including direct ties to research priorities and topics of high interest to leadership. Approximately 50 students from across AFC will be selected to present at the symposium and all interns will be invited to attend. More information will be shared on the USAMRDC STEM website closer to the event.
The May 2021 AFC Scholars Research Symposium is available to view at: AFC Scholars Research Symposium
Opportunities
USAMRDC offers numerous internship and apprenticeship opportunities for high school and college students, in addition to engagement and competition programs for students grades K-12. These programs provide students, especially underserved and underrepresented students, the ability to experience the scope of careers and trades within the DOD.
To learn more about USAMRDC STEM programs and available opportunities; visit the STEM website.
The AFC Scholar Research Symposium is organized by the Army Educational Outreach Program through the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
