As Jeff Helstad walks around what he calls the “nerd-ery” — a long hallway of doors leading to multimillion-dollar equipment at the University of North Texas’ Discovery Park — he’s doing what he can now to arm himself with science, to aid him on the battlefield next year.

The Flower Mound resident plans to graduate with a materials science degree in the spring and will be shipped off to the Middle East to serve with his fellow National Guardsmen.

DRC/Al Key

Jeff Helstad, a materials science undergraduate at the University of North Texas, is pictured with the Optomec LENS System, which is used for laser-powder fabrication of metals and ceramics, at UNT’s Discovery Park.

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Helstad is taking what he knows about metals and ceramics and working with other researchers to understand material failures that occur in guns, equipment and body armor when they wither under the hot desert sun.

And he’s doing this with the aid of a recent award — the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship, which includes a $25,000 stipend for two years, full tuition and job placement at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio.

UNT materials science laboratories are already working with the Air Force to find new alloys and lightweight carbon composites to build materials that will help their jet fleets last longer in the desert, Helstad said.

Helstad has a perspective that many researchers in the lab don’t, thanks to his experience in the National Guard, where he has seen jammed guns and other material failures on the training field, said Thomas Scharf, a materials science and engineering professor and a mentor in the Air Force program.

Helstad worked with Scharf as a summer intern, helping determine problems that extreme heat can cause with friction and wear in the mechanical assembly of guns.

“He has firsthand knowledge and experience in the field, whether it’s artillery or what; he has a good grasp of solid expertise and what the issues are,” Scharf said.

If gun barrels become hot from too much usage or wear, scientists could possibly save lives by coming up with alternate materials, Scharf said.

Helstad led a diverse life before committing to UNT’s materials science program. Formerly a farmer, logger, seaman, boxer and roughneck, he joined the National Guard two years ago.

The 31-year-old is the father of four children, but said he doesn’t mind heading off to war next year.

“I got sick of watching the news and hearing no one wanted to join,” Helstad said. “I’ll pay for my freedom and do my six years and be done. It will help me work at the Air Force and better understand applications. … It gives you a broad perspective on things.”

His wife, Jana Helstad, said she isn’t thrilled that her husband could be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan next year, but knows he’s working toward a meaningful purpose in life.

“Jeff was put on this earth to do something amazing … and I think he will,” Jana Helstad said. “Once he gets there, he will make a difference … and he’ll make a difference on the materials side.”

Along with working on school projects, Jeff Helstad said he is studying on his own time, looking at the thermal properties of metals used in armor and ways that armor can better handle ballistic weapons.

Another mentor, materials science and engineering professor Srinivasan Srivilliputhur, said the Air Force Research Laboratory will only benefit from Helstad’s background in the military.

The knowledge he’s acquired in the materials science labs is a credit to his professors and the program, Helstad said, and he’ll carry it throughout his lifetime as he provides for his family

“I’m going to learn stuff and bring it back to the lab,” he said. “I didn’t join for the awards. … It’s a little sacrifice.”

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com .