BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – A West Virginia Wesleyan College sophomore already has employment secured after graduation as the recipient of a U.S. Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship. 

Madisyn Fox ’23, of Caldwell, West Virginia, will also receive full tuition for up to five years, summer internships and a stipend in addition to full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation.

“I’m so thankful for my professors, especially Dr. Joseph Wiest, for challenging and supporting me along the way in this process,” Fox said. “This is an amazing opportunity to put my interests and skills to work in a field I’m passionate about, while contributing to something bigger than myself.”

Fox is a dual physics and political science major and has a special interest in the interdisciplinary application of  physics. She is vice president of Student Senate, a Service Scholar and a member of WE LEAD among other campus activities.

Wesleyan’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Dr. James Moore said, “We are very proud of Madisyn and her hard work to earn the SMART Scholarship and the opportunities she will be afforded through the Department of Defense. West Virginia Wesleyan College prepares students like Madisyn to succeed across all disciplines.”

This unique opportunity through the Department of Defense offers students hands-on experience at one of over 200 of the nation’s most innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and larger Department of Defense. The Department of Defense is the largest employer of scientists and engineers in the nation with nearly 300,000 STEM professionals. 

During Fox’s summer internships, she will work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining technical skills. Following graduation, Fox will be employed at the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center in Natick, Massachusetts.

For more information on the SMART program or to learn how students can apply, please visit www.smartscholarship.org.