Pioneering Appointment at Howard University
Howard University has made a groundbreaking appointment by selecting Dr. Sonya Smith as the executive director of its Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA). Smith becomes the first Black woman to lead this prestigious University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), one of only 15 such centers nationwide.
“The Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy will play a major role in further positioning Howard University as a leading research institution,” said Smith. “I’m excited to see how my colleagues and I can work with students to advance the work around autonomous systems and machine learning.”
Paving the Way for Diversity in STEM
Smith’s appointment represents a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusion in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia, she has been a trailblazer throughout her career.
“I believe that the work taking place here is not just vital for strengthening research, but also will help in diversifying the field and raising awareness of the bright minds being trained at HBCUs,” Smith stated.
A Remarkable Journey at Howard University
Smith’s journey at Howard University has been remarkable. Joining as a faculty member in 1995, she became the first tenured female professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. She established the Applied Fluids-Thermal Research Laboratory and has received research support from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense.
Advancing Women in STEM
In addition to her pioneering work in research, Smith has been a tireless advocate for advancing women in STEM fields. She led Howard University’s NSF ADVANCE-IT award, aimed at addressing challenges faced by women in STEM leadership positions. Furthermore, she has served as a board member and former president of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN), dedicated to promoting women’s inclusion in engineering.
A Visionary Leader for RITA
Howard University’s Senior Vice President for Research, Dr. Bruce Jones, expressed confidence in Smith’s ability to lead RITA to new heights. “When it comes to the very critical work that is a part of this space, it is imperative that someone with Dr. Smith’s experience and insight be able to work with our students and help increase their opportunities and our presence,” Jones said.
With Smith’s visionary leadership, RITA is poised to make significant contributions to the field of tactical autonomy while fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.
