Starting in 2024, an opportunity for growth and innovation will open up for 151 undergraduate students and eight faculty members, who will participate in workforce development programs at 12 national laboratories and a fusion facility in the United States. This initiative, launching this fall, represents a key component of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plan to build a qualified workforce capable of addressing the energy, environmental, and national security challenges of today and the future.
This fall season will see the participation of 124 undergraduate students and 27 community college students, selected for the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) and Community College Internships (CCI) programs. These young talents, 26% of whom come from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), will be immersed in research and technology projects, working directly with scientists and engineers at the national laboratories.
In parallel, eight university faculty members, representing seven institutions—including three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—will participate in the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP). This program offers faculty the opportunity to collaborate with national lab research staff on projects of mutual interest. Sixty-three percent of the institutions represented in the VFP are MSIs, emphasizing the commitment to greater inclusivity and diversity in science.
Harriet Kung, Acting Director of the DOE Office of Science, stated, “The Department of Energy is proud to offer opportunities to students and faculty to learn about DOE, the national labs, and science as a discipline. When students have the chance to work in a laboratory, they gain a clearer vision of their future careers. We are excited to encourage new researchers on their paths to solving global challenges.”
SULI, CCI, and VFP are programs managed by the DOE’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), which selects participants from a broad pool of applicants from academic institutions across the country. These programs not only offer practical and formative experiences but also represent a strategic response to the need for advanced skills in the energy and security sectors.
Participation in these programs is a great opportunity for students and faculty to contribute to advanced research and be part of an excellent scientific network. For more details, visit the Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) page here.
Potential Further Insights: Analyzing the projects on which participants will work could reveal technological and scientific innovations with significant impact. Additionally, observing the career progression of these students and faculty will provide valuable insights into the growth of the scientific workforce.
Glossary
- DOE: Department of Energy - The U.S. Department of Energy.
- SULI: Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships - Internship program for undergraduate students at national laboratories.
- CCI: Community College Internships - Internship program for community college students.
- MSI: Minority Serving Institutions - Institutions serving minorities.
- HBCU: Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- WDTS: Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists.
- VFP: Visiting Faculty Program.
