RIVER VALE, N.J.—For Daniel Epstein, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Delaware, the moment arrived quietly—an email during lecture, a confusing subject line, a hasty click. Then it hit.
“I remember laughing in the back of the lecture hall, completely shocked,” he told Pascack Press recently. “I didn’t think I had any chance of winning, so it was a surreal experience.”
The lifelong River Vale resident and Pascack Valley High School alumnus had just learned he was selected for the highly competitive SMART Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense—a full-ride scholarship with stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment after graduation. Epstein will complete his service commitment as an engineer at Picatinny Arsenal’s U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center in Wharton, N.J.
“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he said.
A pathway shaped by family—and by PVHS
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program—short for Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation—exists to grow the Department of Defense’s civilian STEM workforce. Students like Epstein receive up to five years of full tuition and support, plus the chance to intern at defense facilities and work alongside career scientists and engineers. In exchange, they commit to serve in those same environments after graduation.
Daniel’s family already knows that path well: his older sister Hannah, a 2022 SMART recipient [Pascack Press, Sept. 12, 2022], works at Picatinny in ammunition engineering. She, too, graduated from both Pascack Valley and the University of Delaware.
“She’s always talked to me about her work, and our conversations really intrigued me,” Daniel said. “Growing up, we had very different interests—she was into robotics, while I played hockey—but we both loved math, science, and art. Just last year, I wouldn’t have guessed we’d be pursuing the same career!”
A Family Day visit to Hannah’s workplace at Picatinny helped Daniel see the SMART Program’s possibilities firsthand. “We met people in her department, saw projects she was working on, and explored other areas within the arsenal. That visit solidified my interest in the program.”
Their father, Mike Epstein—also a University of Delaware alum—told us he hopes both of his children’s stories help spread awareness of the SMART Program and inspire other local students to pursue STEM careers in public service.
“Daniel’s scholarship will allow him to pursue his passion for engineering while serving his country,” Mike said. “It’s an incredible opportunity, and one we’re proud to see become a family legacy.”
Formative sparks and local roots
At Pascack Valley High School, Daniel was a National Honor Society member and played on the hockey team, balancing his coursework with athletics and other responsibilities. But it was a freshman-year engineering class that first nudged him toward a future in STEM.
“Jim Kennedy’s honors engineering class introduced me to foundational concepts and the design process,” Daniel said. “That class helped me realize how broad and creative the field could be. I’m incredibly grateful to him—he was one of my references for the SMART application, and his support meant a lot.”
At the University of Delaware, Daniel is thriving in his program, double-minoring in entrepreneurship and integrated design. While he doesn’t yet know which department he’ll join at Picatinny, he’s hopeful for a role in air defense—particularly with drones or aircraft.
“I’ve always been fascinated by them, and this scholarship gives me the opportunity to explore that passion in a meaningful way,” he said.
Advice to students: connections, calendars, and curiosity
Daniel’s advice for students considering STEM fields—or the SMART Program—is grounded in self-discipline and relationships.
“Time management is key,” he said. “Finding a good balance between academics and social life is crucial. Surround yourself with friends in your major—having a solid study group makes homework and exam prep much easier. I find it helpful to plan out my week in advance—at the beginning of each week I jot down my assignments and study goals to stay on track.”
He also emphasized the value of mentorship and personal connections. “Strong references are essential when applying for scholarships and opportunities. Having mentors who understand your strengths and can advocate for you is a huge advantage.”
About SMART
The U.S. Department of Defense is the nation’s largest employer of federal scientists and engineers, with nearly 300,000 civilian STEM professionals. Through programs like SMART, it aims to cultivate a technically skilled workforce to meet current and future national security challenges.
Students interested in learning more about the SMART Program can visit www.smartscholarship.org. Applications open annually in August and close on the first Friday in December.