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Naval Postgraduate School Trident Room Podcast host U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Colleen Wilmington interviews two graduating students, U.S. Navy Ensign Grace Casey and Ensign Dutton Rogers, attending NPS through the Shoemaker Scholar program, and pursuing a thesis through the NPS Undersea Warfare program. This episode was recorded on January 28, 2025.

The Shoemaker Scholarship program provides an opportunity for Student Naval Aviators awaiting flight school to get their graduate degree at NPS directly following their undergraduate program. Shoemaker Scholars are provided with an opportunity to sharpen their mind before heading out to the Fleet, taking their new-found expertise to their next command and reducing the need for an operational gap. Recently, the Shoemaker Scholar program expanded significantly, from 10 to 50 quotas, with applicants not constricted to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Interview questions for the episode guests …

• Introduction – Name, where you are from, why you joined the Navy, undergraduate major, your designator, what brought you to NPS, and where you’re headed if you know
• I’ve had the honor of conducting experiments and coursework with you, how did you all decide on the USW program?
• Coming straight from undergraduate how do you ensure that your theses have fleet relevance and how did you select your theses
• At NPS you are surrounded by mid-career officers, but your fresh view is vital in many areas – how are you making your voices heard yet keeping an eye out for mentors?
• What is your favorite aspect of your respective program?
• How are you developing a good mental health/work-life balance?
• What do you look forward to in joining the Fleet after graduation?

For comments, suggestions, and critiques, please email us at TridentRoomPodcastHost@nps.edu, and find us online at nps.edu/tridentroompodcast. Thank you!