It’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week! To mark the occasion, we spoke with three students who participated in this year’s Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) program at the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM).
The MLEF program is a 10-week summer research fellowship which aims to improve opportunities for under-represented graduate and undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and strengthen a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals. Keep reading below to find out what these students love about their HBCUs, and how their summer MLEF experience helped expand their horizons and grow their careers!
Lydia Joy Williams
Undergraduate in Environmental Science with a Concentration in Environmental Health
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
What does it mean to you to attend a HBCU?
For me, attending an HBCU means being a part of my community. To be able to move and simply be black in all-black spaces is an amazing feeling. I don't get judged for how I dress or interact.
What advice would you give students who are thinking about attending a HBCU?
To students who identify as African American I 100 percent suggest you attend an HBCU. After all, these institutions were made for you when others were built to keep you out. Who wouldn't want to be a part of the best part of black culture? And to others looking to seek education in an HBCU, I encourage it as well.
Why did you apply to the MLEF program? What research topics and/or technical areas have you worked on during the MLEF program?
I have had a love for the earth since I was a little girl. I specifically had a fascination for water treatment and water catchment when I was 10, so I've known for quite a while that I wanted to be in STEM.
I applied to the MLEF program to broaden my skills as a STEM student and to pick up skills I could only learn in the real world. During my time in MLEF I worked on groundwater contamination near coal ash impoundments, with potential applications for critical mineral recovery.
Being a part of the MLEF program opened my eyes to several different people, places, and things. I was born and raised in Montgomery, AL, so to be able to live in Washington, D.C. for a summer and experience all the different cultures and people was amazing. I will forever be thankful to MLEF for allowing me to experience that.
Ryan Livingston
May 2022 Graduate, Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering
Prairie View A&M University
What does it mean to you to attend a HBCU?
Being around my community taught me how different we are despite our similarities in skin color. We all came from different walks of life but were united by our burning passion to better ourselves. With the innumerable opportunities available, my HBCU showed me our potential to become leaders and leave behind a legacy.
What advice would you give students who are thinking about attending a HBCU?
Take advantage of all the opportunities you have to further your professional development. Go to the luncheons, the seminars, and the workshops to get comfortable with networking early on. This will get you more familiar with your field and allow you to determine which industry you’re interested in. Also, make sure to join any student organizations that will give you more exposure such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), etc.
Why did you apply to the MLEF program? What research topics and/or technical areas have you worked on during the MLEF program?
During the MLEF program I worked with FECM on project finance, an aspect of project development that determines how large and industrial projects are financed. I’m proud of how much I retained despite the work being outside of my expertise. My time with FECM taught me to not be afraid to branch out to different sides of my industry to better understand the project process.
Taylon Owens
May 2022 Graduate, Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering
Prairie View A&M University
Currently a Master's student at the University of Oxford pursuing a degree in Environmental Change and Management
What does it mean to you to attend a HBCU?
It is an incomparable experience because HBCUs were born out of oppression. For example, Prairie View is built on the former Alta Vista Plantation. To receive an education on the very same grounds where my ancestors were enslaved is liberating because they were not allowed to read or write. So to me, attending an HBCU is a statement that despite attempts to prevent us from receiving an education, we still endured and are now living legacies of our ancestors’ wildest dreams.
What advice would you give students who are thinking about attending a HBCU?
Live in the moment but also understand you are representing so much more than just yourself. HBCUs have a rich past and are successfully preparing students for the future.
Why did you apply to the MLEF program? What research topics and/or technical areas have you worked on during the MLEF program?
As I matriculated through my engineering degree, I developed a passion for climate change, energy, and environmental justice, which prompted me to further my education and pursue a Master's degree. However, prior to MLEF all of my experiences were in industry; I wanted to have exposure to research, and this program directly aligns with my interests and future career goals. This summer, I researched and analyzed gas hydrate dissociation/degassing and the impacts on the environment due to climate change.
MLEF is an essential program because it allows passionate students to conduct meaningful research to address pressing climate challenges. It also provided us with a network of future change agents. I look forward to seeing where every participant's journey takes them.
Want to learn more about the MLEF program?
We’re holding two virtual information sessions on October 11 and 14, and four more across November, in which program staff will review the application process, provide resume tips, and share information on other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research programs that may be available. Learn more and register here
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