April 9, 2008

One of Capitol College's stars is shining a bit brighter these days. Melody Ford, a junior aerospace engineering student and the only female inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society in 2007, has recently been honored with an impressive scholarship opportunity under the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Program.

SMART is managed by the Naval Postgraduate School on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Through the American Society of Engineering Education, which works with NPS to administer the program, Ford has been selected by the Air Force Research Lab to conduct research and work on space vehicles at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

As part of her scholarship Ford will receive full tuition reimbursement for her final year at Capitol, book allowances and health insurance. She is also guaranteed a one-year, paid internship position in New Mexico following graduation, complete with lodging compensation.

Just hours after she received the news, Ford was still trying to overcome the elation she felt. "I'm just glad I got the opportunity," she said. "I know I work hard and that I deserve this chance to build my career, but it still doesn't feel like it's real."

As a member of the Space Operation Institute, Ford sets the standard for what students at Capitol can achieve with a bit of hard work and a dream. She has already received numerous scholarships at Capitol, including the Richard A. Heiman Scholarship and the William A. Hearst Endowed Scholarship.

"Melody Ford represents all that is good about Capitol College and our students," said Capitol's Vice President of Academic Affairs and CAO, Vic Maconachy. "This recognition serves to highlight the outstanding capabilities engendered and developed across the spectrum of our student population. It is an honor for Capitol College and for Melody to have been recognized by SMART and the Air Force Research Lab."