In the spring of 2025, a new chapter opens for 164 college students and six faculty members, who will have the chance to collaborate on groundbreaking development programs at national laboratories and a fusion facility. This initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is designed to shape a workforce equipped to tackle both current and future challenges in energy, environmental sustainability, and national security.
The group of participants includes 135 students from both two-year and four-year degree programs, alongside 29 community college students. They were selected for the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) and Community College Internships (CCI) programs, providing the opportunity to work directly with scientists and engineers on advanced research projects. Diversity has been a key focus, with 29% of the participants affiliated with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Additionally, six university professors will be part of the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP). This program offers them the opportunity to engage with national lab research teams, collaborating on shared projects. Half of the selected faculty members come from MSIs, including one Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Harriet Kung, Deputy Director for Science Programs at the DOE's Office of Science, shared that these programs represent a crucial link between academic training and real-world research. “Offering students and educators direct experiences at the labs allows them to better understand their professional potential. We’re thrilled to support the next generation of researchers who will tackle global challenges,” she said.
A Growing Network of Opportunity
The participants in SULI, CCI, and VFP are selected through a competitive application process run by the DOE’s national labs. These programs offer far more than practical research experience; they also build meaningful connections between students, faculty, and leading professionals. The goal is to create a network that fosters scientific and technological innovation.
For students, the labs represent an invaluable learning space where they can apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects using cutting-edge tools and methodologies. This hands-on experience not only enriches their academic path but provides clarity about how their skills can be applied in practice.
For faculty, the VFP is an opportunity to start new collaborations with national labs, expanding research possibilities while introducing fresh perspectives into their own institutions.
You can learn more on the official WDTS page.
Key Data
| Program | Number of Participants | Type | Percentage from MSIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULI | 135 students | 2- and 4-year degrees | 29% |
| CCI | 29 students | Community colleges | 29% |
| VFP | 6 faculty | Universities/colleges | 50% (includes 1 HBCU) |
Glossary
- CCI – Community College Internships: A program that allows community college students to engage in research projects at national labs.
- HBCU – Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Institutions with a long-standing focus on educating African American students.
- MSI – Minority Serving Institutions: Colleges and universities that serve predominantly minority student populations.
- SULI – Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships: A program for undergraduates to gain hands-on research experience at national labs.
- VFP – Visiting Faculty Program: A program enabling university faculty to collaborate with national lab researchers on shared projects.
