Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at Virginia Military Institute and Virginia’s poet laureate, was recognized by AFCEA TechNet Cyber with a meritorious service award at their event in Baltimore, June 1.
AFCEA, formerly known as the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, is a member-based, nonprofit 501(c)6 professional association that connects people, ideas, and solutions globally by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing them worldwide in an ethical manner. This enables military, government, industry, and academia to align technology to meet the needs of those who serve in critical areas, which include defense, security, cyber, and intelligence.
Smith is a member of the Rockbridge Shenandoah chapter.
AFCEA presented Smith with the award for her work in developing and implementing a workshop series for them last winter in which technology and engineering design teams learned how to adjust their technological writing for journalistic purposes, making it understandable to the average reader.
Smith stated learning how to explain crucial technical information to public audiences is essential for researchers on the cutting edge of innovation.
“This meritorious service award is an honor, but it also reinforces the nation’s collective mission to ensure that our defense and technology sectors are guided by thoughtful, adaptable communicators. I am glad AFCEA recognizes the role that education and dedicated public service play in supporting communication,” she said.
