West Virginia University sophomores Marci Smeltz and Stanley Strawbridge are having the remainder of their undergraduate education paid for by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Smeltz, a forensic and investigative science and chemistry double major from Harrisburg, Pa., and Strawbridge, a biochemistry and mathematics double major from Forest Hill, Md., are the first WVU students to be awarded the Department of Homeland Security Undergraduate Scholarship. Both are students in WVU s Honors College.

I am very proud of our students at West Virginia University,said Lisa DeFrank-Cole, director of WVU s ASPIRE Office.They have proven that they are capable of competing for and winning the most prestigious scholarships in the country. In my mind, all that is needed is for someone to tell them about the opportunities that are available, and that is where the ASPIRE office comes into play.

In addition to covering full tuition and mandatory fees for the students last two years of undergraduate school, the scholarship provides each recipient with $1,000 per month for the nine months of the academic year and $5,000 for a required 10-week internship at a Department of Homeland Security affiliate during summer 2010.

The students are also required to complete a one-year, full-time service requirement in a relevant homeland security field following the receipt of their degrees.

Crime investigation has always been something that has interested Smeltz. Her ultimate goal is to be a toxicologist and work for the government drug testing and examining different bodily fluids for a variety of chemicals.

In her spare time, she tutors students in chemistry and related courses through the WVU Honors College.

Although he is not sure what areas he would like to study, Strawbridge has a passion for medical research. After completing his undergraduate degree at WVU , he has plans to go to graduate school and earn a doctorate.

During his spare time, Strawbridge plays the trumpet in WVU s marching band.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be studying in a homeland security-related science, technology, engineering or mathematics field with an interest, major or concentration related to a homeland security research area. The students must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

For more information on the scholarship program, go to http://www.orau.gov/dhsed .

To find out more about WVU s ASPIRE Office, visit http://www.aspire.wvu.edu .