Phase 2 SMART scholar, Katrina Colucci Chang, Ph.D., was awarded the SMART Scholarship in 2018. She is currently employed by her sponsoring facility, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Maryland, where she serves as a subject matter expert on testing and analysis for human systems engineering. Katrina utilizes her biomedical background from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to design new systems and products for warfighters that include assisted devices, such as a bladder relief system, and incorporates user feedback design prototypes. She is a proud SMART advocate and often helps fellow students apply for the SMART Scholarship. Katrina credits her mentor, Tara Capecci, Ph.D., for being an integral part of her internship experience and helping her network with colleagues. “I love the people that I work with, especially the clients,” says Katrina, “The project that I am involved in is so fascinating.” When Katrina is not partnering with Dr. Capecci at NAWCAD, she finds expression through dance.
Matthew Halstead
PhD, Nuclear Engineering
