EM is committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives and developing the inclusive nuclear workforce of the future, panelists said during the Waste Management Symposia 2021.
The Global STEM Initiatives Panel covered issues including diversity and inclusion, nurturing interest through STEM programs, and the unique challenges and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nicole Nelson-Jean, EM Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Field Operations, said EM seeks to employ a workforce that is not only diverse, but inclusive of the perspectives brought by people of varying backgrounds.
“It is really important that we cast the net wide and ensure that we are deliberate when we do it," Nelson-Jean said. “That’s where you get a diverse and inclusive workforce for better decision-making and, ultimately, better results."
EM manages and participates in partnerships and programs encouraging interest in STEM. Six national laboratories participate in the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program, managed by the Savannah River National Laboratory. The program trains scientists and engineers in addition to deploying technologies that specifically contribute to the EM mission, and Nelson-Jean said the program “serves as a pipeline for diverse talent."
EM supports university programs and partnerships, such as the DOE-Florida International University Science and Technology Workforce Development Program and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s partnership with the University of Tennessee. Additionally, EM contributes $3 million directly to STEM education each year.
Fostering STEM education and employment pipelines is critical to EM, particularly in the face of projected workforce gaps. Kristen Ellis, Senior Advisor for STEM and Talent Acquisition, said that only 8% of the government-wide workforce is under the age of 30, and within EM headquarters, less than 15% of the workforce is under 40.
“We need to be prepared," Ellis said. “We need to identify which positions don’t have successors...and how we are growing the next generation."
Ellis also identified opportunities in the transition to virtual work and learning due to COVID-19, such as increased flexibility in job recruiting and interest in online materials like DOE STEM Rising.
“As we continue to gain lessons learned from the pandemic, we will continue to look at how to make these programs more vibrant and appealing to future students, while recognizing that we have to do outreach to all students and make sure we don’t leave anyone behind," Ellis said.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
