AIKEN, S.C. - EM’s Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) have agreed to create a collegiate affiliate program in which retired laboratory professionals enhance student learning.
SRNL Laboratory Director Dr. Vahid Majidi and USCA Chancellor Dr. Sandra J. Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding Sept. 4 at USCA to establish the program.
The program provides two ways for retired SRNL professionals to collaborate with USCA faculty, staff, students, and the community:
Faculty affiliates are qualified lab retirees who teach college-level courses.
University affiliates are retirees who mentor young scientists, act as career counselors to science majors, connect students with internships, give guest lectures in classes, assist with Ruth Patrick Science Education Center programs, and more.
“We have a long history of collaborating with USC Aiken to strengthen the science and technology education at the university and expand the opportunities for students who may find future employment at our lab," Majidi said. “We have a number of lab alumni whose expertise can be a valuable resource for the university, and we look forward to seeing this turn into an opportunity that strengthens STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education at USCA."
Jordan said the partnership allows USCA to augment and complement its work with the talents and knowledge of SRNL employees.
“The program will bring retiring SRNL scientists and engineers to our campus to enrich the educational opportunities of students," Jordan said.
The program is being supported with a $105,000 grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), which manages SRNL. SRNS is the Savannah River Site management and operations contractor.
Part of that funding will go to renovating space in USCA’s Gregg-Graniteville Library to serve as an office for the participants. The funds will also be used to establish a training workshop and help provide salaries for faculty affiliates who teach courses, as well as general management and marketing support for the program.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
