TSU Senior Preselected for STEM Internship with Prestigious Naval Research Laboratory

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Deja Story, a senior mathematics major from Johnson City, TN, has been preselected for the prestigious Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) HBCU/MI Internship Program. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in her academic journey, validating her hard work and dedication.

“I am incredibly honored to be preselected,” Story shared. “It’s a testament to my perseverance and commitment to my studies.”

This comprehensive, multi-component program offers students the opportunity to conduct state of the art research relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Navy (DoN) and the NRL. Internships are awarded competitively to students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate training in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Deja Story’s Certificate of Academic Merit received from TSU’s Honors College.

Story has maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA throughout her academic career, which she attributes to effective time management, detailed planning, and active engagement in her classes.

“The sense of accomplishment from achieving a high GPA is rewarding, but it’s also a challenge that requires discipline and passion,” she noted.

Her research experience has been equally remarkable. Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Reed, Department Chair of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Life and Physical Sciences, Story has been conducting research on Symbolic Rees algebra, a mathematical structure important in commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. Their project aims to prove that the Symbolic Rees algebra is Noetherian for prime ideals defining space monomial curves with multiplicity 5. This research not only deepens the understanding of algebraic structures but also fuels her desire to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics.

Deja Story

As she prepares for her internship in Washington, D.C., Deja is eager to work alongside experienced researchers on real-world projects. “I look forward to gaining research experience and exploring whether a career in the military is right for me,” she explained. The two-month program will provide her with invaluable insights into STEM-related research, further enhancing her academic journey.

After graduation in Fall 2025, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in applied mathematics with a vision of combining research and service as an officer in the Air Force. “I hope to apply my mathematical knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems in the military,” she stated.

Deja’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination, and her future is bright as she continues to inspire others in her pursuit of academic excellence and service.