Students and faculty to join research teams this spring at Department of Energy National Laboratories and a fusion facility

(Press-News.org) WASHINGTON, D.C. - A diverse group of 164 undergraduate students and six faculty will participate in unique workforce development programs at 11 of the nation’s national laboratories and a fusion facility during Spring 2025.    

This opportunity is part of a continuing effort by the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure the nation has a strong, sustained workforce trained in the skills needed to address the energy, environment, and national security challenges of today and tomorrow.  

“The Department of Energy is proud to offer opportunities to students and teachers to learn about DOE, the national labs, and science as a discipline,” said Harriet Kung, DOE Office of Science’s Deputy Director for Science Programs. “When students are able to experience working in a laboratory, they have a better understanding of what their careers could be. We are excited to encourage new researchers on their paths to helping us solve the world’s challenges.”  

The spring cohort includes 135 two- and four-year undergraduate students and 29 community college students. They are part of the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) and Community College Internships (CCI) programs, respectively. These students, 29% of which are from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), will work directly with national lab scientists and engineers on research and technology projects.  

In addition, the six college and university faculty members selected will collaborate with national lab research staff on projects of mutual interest through the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP). These faculty represent six institutions, 50% of which are MSIs, including one HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).  

SULI, CCI, and VFP participants are selected by the DOE national laboratories and facilities from a diverse pool of applicants from academic institutions around the country. The programs are managed by the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in the DOE Office of Science. For more information, visit the Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) homepage.  

A list of recipients can be found at https://science.osti.gov/wdts/About/Laboratory-Participants.

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