Huntsville-based software and systems engineering experts Invariant Corporation has created the Pickard Strong Scholarship in honor of a lifelong member of the Invariant team, the late Jack “Warren” Pickard, who passed away last summer.

Pickard was an integral member of the Invariant team and expert in optics on the FireFLY (hostile Fire Fast Locating sensor) project, a hostile-fire detection system in support of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), developed jointly by Invariant and Mississippi’s Hyperion Technology Group.

He was dedicated to his work in the defense industry and believed in the importance of equipping the military, working on projects at ERC, Northrup Grumman, and Trideum.

Pickard’s diverse background included winning high school state competitions in French, being an ROTC City Battalion Commander for all Memphis high schools, earning expert marksmanship leading to opportunities at West Point and the Air Force Academy, and earning a bachelor’s in Anthropology, and later a bachelor’s in electrical engineering with a master’s in electro-optics.

Invariant looks to dedicate the $2,000 scholarship to an individual who seeks similar values and aspirations as Warren did including the quality of leadership and a commitment to education and community activities, as well as work experience.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 15.

Applicants must complete the Pickard Strong Scholarship Application Form and email your transcript to [email protected].