After winning science fairs in school, Smoot’s guidance counselor recommended he apply to Brooklyn Tech, where he then went to Columbia University on a full scholarship and received a job at his future employer, Bell Labs. Smoot’s first Patent was granted in 1982 for a coin telephone circuit control. He would go on to own over 100 patents ranging from fiber optic cables to Disney Lightsabers. In an interview with the USPTO, Smoot stated that his love of inventing started with watching the show Star Trek in his childhood. Smoot credits his success to the initial spark that was flamed by opportunities he sought out.
Source: As if by magic | USPTO