NSWC Philadelphia Selects Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program Poster Session Winn

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) selected the winners of its Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) intern Poster Session at the Navy Yard, July 26.

The Poster Session competition is the culmination of a ten-week program in which the interns research technical issues or capability needs, and develop findings or solutions. On the day of competition, each intern briefs their specific project using posters they built to serve as visual aids. This year 74 interns participated in NREIP at NSWCPD.

Joshua Hull, a mechanical engineering junior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, was awarded first place from among the field of 74 diverse projects. Hull's NREIP project involved a dashboard he designed to help in-service engineering agents (ISEAs), predict when parts need maintenance and replacement. The dashboard also provides ISEAs with the relevant maintenance task numbers.

"I wasn't expecting it," said Hull, a native of Chelton, Pennsylvania who was shocked to win. "I have a few more years of school, and then I hope work in my field." Hull plans to continue his education to obtain a master's degree.

Maryrose McLaughlin received the second place award for her Poster Session on battery technology. McLaughlin is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh.

Two NREIP participants tied for third place. Matthew Graesser, a junior at the University of Maryland College Park, received a third place award for his session on test procedure establishment for digital video surveillance system. Villanova University junior Patrick Hannagan also received a third place award for his damage control system software for LHD/LSD class ships session.

The Poster Session judging was based on three core elements.

First, the judges evaluated each intern's presentation and understanding of the technical subject matter, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their project's findings.

Second, each intern's project poster was judged for readability and clarity. The poster needed to be understandable even to laymen with no background in engineering.

Finally, the posters were judged on visual appearance and whether the graphics and colors captured the attention of passersby at a glance.

"This is a problem solving command," said Anne Demirjian, a project manager with NSWCPD's Sustainment and Modernization Branch, "so we want to evaluate how they approach problem solving. Did they gain understanding, and can they share that understanding with others?"

NREIP and other STEM outreach programs benefit both the student and the Navy. Students gain technical knowledge as well as valuable practical experience in the areas of problem-solving, team-building and leadership. The programs offer the Navy avenues for finding top prospects for recruiting.

"(The internship) is an opportunity for the Navy to create and maintain contact with STEM students with various majors," said Capt. Francis E. Spencer III, NSWCPD commanding officer.

Spencer, one of the competition's judges, was pleased with the interns' technical skills and ability to communicate with military and civilian professionals.

"I'm very impressed with the quality of the young people coming to the program," said Spencer.

The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program is sponsored by The Office of Naval Research.

NSWCPD is the Navy's warfare center supporting surface ship, aircraft carrier, and submarine machinery systems throughout their entire lifecycle, from initial concept, through research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition, and in-service engineering during commissioned service. The Philadelphia Division ensures these machinery systems are cyber-secure, affordable, and have comprehensive logistics support.

NSWCPD

Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division

NSWC Philadelphia Selects Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program Poster Session Winners