ARLINGTON, Va. — The Department of the Navy’s (DON) Naval STEM Coordination Office has announced the winners of its annual photo contest, highlighting student interns conducting hands-on research at warfare centers and laboratories across the nation.
This year’s competition drew more than 30 entries from 10 laboratories under the Naval STEM umbrella. The winning photographs capture high school, undergraduate and graduate students operating advanced laboratory equipment, collaborating on engineering designs and working alongside naval researchers.
“Through this contest, we celebrate more than just great photography — we celebrate the passion and dedication of young minds who are already contributing to the Navy and Marine Corps’ mission,” said Kathleen Gately Miranda, a program officer in the Naval STEM Coordination Office. “These images tell a powerful story of mentorship, discovery and innovation. They showcase the very people who will design, build and defend the fleet of tomorrow.”
The featured students participate in flagship internship pathways designed to build a highly skilled maritime workforce, including the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) and the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP).
As senior naval leaders emphasize the need to recruit and retain the next generation of technical experts, these programs serve as the front line of the DON’s workforce outreach.
SEAP offers academically talented high school sophomores, juniors and seniors an eight-week summer apprenticeship across more than 30 naval laboratories. For college students, NREIP provides a 10-week summer research placement at more than 60 naval laboratories and warfare centers, pairing undergraduates and graduate students with experienced mentors. Registration for the upcoming NREIP fall engagement is open.
This year’s winning photo submissions were submitted by interns from six facilities across the country:
- Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey
- Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California
- Naval Medical Research Unit, Dayton, Ohio
- Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
- Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, West Bethesda, Maryland
- Naval Medical Research Unit, San Antonio, Texas
The intent of the photo contest is to promote the NREIP and SEAP internship programs. The contest allows students to highlight their internship experiences, while showcasing how these internships lead to subsequent workforce development that will benefit the Department of the Navy.
To view winning photos, and stay connected with the latest updates in naval research, workforce initiatives and cutting-edge defense technology, visit the Naval STEM LinkedIn Page.