We are delighted to announce the very first Society of Military Spouses in STEM volunteer of the quarter, Shaneen Waiters! Shaneen strengthened the SMSS mission as our Volunteer Manager in 2020.
This year, Shaneen established the SMSS volunteer program and led a virtual team of 12 volunteers scattered across the country. Our SMSS volunteers are STEM professionals from a diversity of fields including engineering, mathematics, psychology, technology, physics, and biochemistry.
New to the military spouse life, Shaneen joined SMSS “to meet and partner with others of similar interests and aspirations. I’m excited to learn that this support network exists.”
Shaneen coordinated our first new volunteer orientation and has welcomed onboard three new volunteers. She works hard to support the team and hosts regular virtual volunteer coffee & tea breaks. Shaneen also offered one-on-one check-ins to ensure we equip each volunteer with the tools they need to find success in their roles. 
In addition to being an SMSS volunteer rockstar, Shaneen completed a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign this year. Shaneen would “like to work on exciting science/engineering projects related to integrated photonic circuits, RF circuits, electronic warfare, and acoustics.”
Michelle Aikman, the Director of Outreach and Co-founder of SMSS says, “Shaneen stepped into this new role and went right to work creating a program that has pulled our entire team together. We’ve welcomed new volunteers and are in a great position to grow as a team and as an organization. It’s our honor to recognize Shaneen for her contributions.”
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