ONR’s commanding officer, Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin C. Selby, is the Naval STEM Executive.
Designed to introduce students to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) topics impacting the Navy and Marine Corps, Naval Horizons awarded more than 400 students with cash prizes of $200 each. Essays deemed exceptional by the contest judges earned the ranking of “Highest Honor” and are currently being showcased on the Naval Horizons website at https://navalhorizons.us.
“Naval Horizons has been a resounding success,” said Sandy Landsberg, who is both the Naval STEM Coordination Office executive and a division director in ONR’s Information, Cyber and Spectrum Superiority Department.
“Survey data indicates that 96% of participants agreed that Naval Horizons increased their awareness of naval science and technology challenges, informed them about the many pathways toward a STEM career, and provided real-world context to STEM subjects,” Landsberg continued.
Contest participants learned about naval STEM careers and challenges through engaging online videos covering more than 20 research areas and related topics—including autonomy, oceanography, cybersecurity and undersea medicine. In each video, naval scientists and engineers discussed their work.
After watching the videos, students submitted a short essay explaining how they were inspired by naval research and the naval workforce—and even provided a future vision for the Navy and Marine Corps.
According to Landsberg, the online videos have been viewed more than 9,000 times.
Landsberg said the DoN Naval STEM Coordination Office plans to unveil another Naval Horizons contest to build on the success of the recent one.
The DoN Naval STEM Coordination Office oversees investments in education, outreach and workforce initiatives. This enables the U.S. to cultivate the technical workforce needed to keep the Navy and Marine Corps on the leading edge of scientific and technological innovation.
“Naval Horizons allowed us to expand our reach to thousands of students, parents, educators and STEM enthusiasts,” said Landsberg. “Because it’s a virtual initiative, it allows for 24/7 STEM outreach and education.”
Learn more about Naval Horizons and the contest winners at https://navalhorizons.us.
Warren Duffie Jr. is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.