STEM Education to Career Pathway Opportunities at the Department of Defense

Dr. Kelly Barford & Ms. Ericka Rojas
Did you know that the DoD employs the majority of scientists and engineers (S&Es) working for the federal government? These DoD S&Es are civilians (they are not enlisted in the military) work on cutting-edge research and innovations in any of our 63 research laboratories and engineering centers spanning 200+ locations around the world. Countless technologies available to you today was a byproduct of DoD development by our S&Es, including: GPS, SIRI, robotics, lasers, super glue and even flexible lithium-Ion battery technologies! Join us as we share the plethora of opportunities for students along the education to career pathway – including PAID internships & scholarships – while working in world-renowned Defense laboratories and centers alongside DoD S&Es!

Dr. Kelly Barford earned her PhD in neuroscience from University of Virginia in 2018, studying the molecular biology of neurons. Specifically, Dr. Barford examined protein transport in the sympathetic nervous system during development. During that time, Dr. Barford co-founded a STEM education non-profit, Science Delivered Charlottesville, which brought interactive and engaging science lessons to rural central Virginia schools. After completion of her PhD, Dr. Barford joined a biotechnology education company, Edvotek, in Washington, DC. There, she created kits and equipment around teaching neuroscience to middle and high school students, developed communications and marketing materials, and engaged in teacher education. In 2020, Dr. Barford joined the American Association for Advancement of Science, Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program and began supporting the Department of Defense (DoD). Dr. Barford is currently a contractor with DoD STEM, located within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and her work spans the areas of funding support, evaluation, and communications.

Ms. Ericka Rojas is a Senior Program Analyst at Strategic Analysis, Inc., and serves a dual-role providing strategic communications management support for the S&T Foundations Office located within the OUSD(R&E), as well as for DoD STEM. She manages the storytelling of the DoD STEM portfolio and the DoD S&T’s role supporting the research and development of new innovations by diverse S&T talent. Notably, Ms. Rojas led the development of the DoD STEM website redesign, providing a user-friendly and inclusive platform, and the creation of DoD STEM’s social media presence. Ms. Rojas received a dual-B.A. in political science and history with concentrations in Latin American studies, Spanish, peace and justice studies and philosophy from Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT), and her Masters in Public Policy from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA).

Видео STEM Education to Career Pathway Opportunities at the Department of Defense канала MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute