AIKEN, S.C. - EM’s Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) hosted three interns from Florida International University (FIU) this summer through the DOE Fellows Program.
Promising science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students gain critical skills for their future careers through this collaborative program.
The three worked with SRNL mentors on research related to their academic disciplines for 10 weeks, delving into scientific projects ranging from environmental engineering to chemistry and materials science.
Alexander Piedra, a senior at FIU, worked with Connor Nicholson, senior engineer, and Aaron Washington, principal scientist, on an EM-funded project to evaluate high-density polyurethane foam for radiation shielding as well as deactivation and decommissioning applications.
“I gained a better understanding of certain aspects of chemistry and material science," Piedra said. “I’ve learned and experienced some of the nuances of projects and how they function through securing funding, following protocols, respecting deadlines, and how it is to be a part of a professional team."
Piedra added that he strengthened his professional and communications skills by working with a variety of people on- and offsite.
Sarah Solomon and Ripley Raubenolt worked with Michael Paller, senior fellow scientist, and Brian Looney, senior advisory engineer, on sorption of methyl mercury species in soil and groundwater applications.
“Working at SRNL this summer not only sharpened my technical skills in the lab, but it also allowed me to get involved with experiments that required critical thinking," said Solomon. “This internship also made me realize how diverse the field of environmental engineering is and the many opportunities there are to work on different projects."
Raubenolt reflected on the value of her summer experience: “This internship allowed me to see the process of how laboratory research is conducted and conveyed along within an established professional network. The value of being able to work on this project has shown me that thinking outside the box and using knowledge from previous experiences gives you an edge that expands experimental research at hand."
Solomon and Raubenolt believe their internships will greatly benefit their progression as environmental engineers.
The DOE FIU Science and Technology Workforce Development Program is a collaborative program between EM and FIU’s Applied Research Center. The DOE Fellows Program, which addresses DOE’s future workforce needs, is designed to attract minority scientists and engineers into the Department’s technical workforce.
DOE Fellows are some of FIU’s brightest students in STEM disciplines. Fellows are competitively selected to work independently and as a team on projects.
SRNL hosted 58 student interns this summer from eight programs, including: the DOE Fellows Program, the DOE Office of Environmental Management Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Robotics Program, and the Augusta University Nuclear Workforce Initiative. The interns came from 26 universities in 12 U.S. states and territories and worked with more than 50 SRNL staff mentors.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
