Aerospace engineering doctoral student Bethany Hintz is launching her career to new heights after receiving a prestigious invitation from the U.S Air Force. Hintz was selected for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Services (STEM+M) Program, a graduate education program geared toward U.S. Air Force employees. The program gives recipients the opportunity to pursue a master’s, doctoral or certificate program.
“I feel incredibly honored to have been selected for the U.S. Air Force’s STEM+M program,” says Hintz. “Having the opportunity to pursue my doctorate degree motivates me to excel and advance my education to support the Air Force mission.”
Hintz is member of the Astrodynamics and Space Robotics Laboratory led by Associate Professor Tarek Elgohary. Its research covers dynamics, and control and computational methods with a focus on space flight applications, including orbital mechanics, space proximity operations, robotics and space situational awareness methods.
During the program, Hintz will be working with her doctoral advisor Elgohary to research optimal control applied to solving problems in space flight applications. She looks forward to using her expertise to support U.S. Air Force missions.
“My selection, participation and graduation from this program will ensure the U.S. Air Force continues to dominate air, space and cyber domains, maintain a world-class STEM workforce and ultimately lead to warfighter success,” says Hintz.
UCF is the perfect fit for Hintz as she works pursue her aerospace aspirations. She says she chose the university for its years-long top billing as Aviation Week Network’s No. 1 supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry.
“Their aerospace engineering programs are some of the most prestigious in the country, and they partner with a variety of aerospace and defense companies,” Hintz says.
Her selection to the program brings her one step closer to realizing her future career plans. Hintz plans to continue to serve the nation through the U.S. Air Force once she completes her doctorate.
“I hope to continue my career long-term with the Department of the Air Force, eventually pursuing opportunities with the senior executive service,” she says. “Completing my doctorate degree with STEM+M will make me competitive for these types of positions in the future.”
- Written by Bel Huston