By Javier Chagoya

Fresh from the U.S. Naval Academy, Ensigns Stephen Arceneaux and Eric Bermudez, from left to right, take a break from check-in procedures outside Herrmann Hall, July 1. The two ensigns are participating in an accelerated, one-year mechanical engineering program as part of a select group of 2015 Bowman Scholars, earning special appointments to the Navy's nuclear power training pipeline through the prestigious Adm. Frank Bowman Scholars Program.

"When I was appointed a Bowman Scholar, I was most excited about the expanded opportunities to further the Navy's goals through research and continued education," said Arceneaux.

Bermudez echoed this sentiment, noting he looks forward to expanding his knowledge in cutting-edge fields, especially unmanned systems design and controls.

"The study of robotics and control systems has always fascinated me, and I'm looking forward to learning the science behind the technology and working with the vast amount of tools here at NPS to accomplish my degree and thesis," said Bermudez.

Selected during their junior year at the Naval Academy, Bowman Scholars perform an advanced research internship and a special research-based learning opportunity prior to graduating from the academy. Most Bowman Scholars then attend the accelerated program here at NPS. Following graduation, Arceneaux and Bermudez will attend Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, S.C., for further training and early selection into the Nuclear Navy.