LEARNING
Ferguson Wins Prestigious DOD Scholarship and Job after Graduation By Jan Joslin
T
he Department of Defense has awarded a SMART Scholarship to Logan Ferguson, a sophomore cybersecurity major with a focus on information systems. Ferguson is the first Charleston Southern student to win the Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Scholarship. The SMART Scholarship provides Ferguson with full tuition, summer internships, a stipend, and full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. Ferguson will receive hands-on experience from one of over 200 of the nation’s most innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and larger Department of Defense. During summer internships, he will work directly with an experienced mentor, gaining valuable technical skills. After graduation, Ferguson will work at the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, Alabama. Ferguson will begin his internship in the summer of 2022. He said, “The SMART Scholarship will allow me to use my skills to aid in defending against cyberattacks and protecting this nation from any foreign threats. I will have the opportunity to work with new technologies and learn more about my career field every day.” Ferguson has always had a passion for technology and chose STEM and cybersecurity because of a desire to help protect national security from cyberattacks. Dr. Sean Hayes, chair of the CSU computer science department, said, “We know that our computer science and cybersecurity programs attract very talented students, and Logan is no exception. We are excited that the Department of Defense also recognizes the talent of our students with this prestigious award.” Hayes is looking forward to Ferguson bringing back a wealth of on-the-job experience to share with his peers. He said, “We are excited to see the ways his experience rubs off on those around him in class, service projects, cyber competitions, and in life.” Hayes said, “I know the Missile Defense Agency will agree that their support of Logan is worth it for his commitment to work
16 CSU magazine
Logan Ferguson. Photo provided
for them. Prospective Charleston Southern students can be confident that top employers eagerly compete for students in our programs, well before graduation.” The Department of Defense is the largest employer of scientists and engineers in the nation with nearly 300,000 STEM professionals. For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly skilled STEM workforce that competes with the evolving trends of industry to support the next generation of science and technology for the nation.
“The SMART Scholarship will allow me to use my skills to aid in defending against cyberattacks and protecting this nation from any foreign threats.” — Logan Ferguson
Fall 2021, vol.31 no.3
