SRNL’s Experiential Excursion Inspires EM Career Pathways

Students and faculty of Clinton College tour EM's Savannah River National Laboratory.

AIKEN, S.C.- EM's Savannah River National Laboratory(SRNL) hosted a consortium of students and professors from Clinton College for an experiential excursion that included job shadowing and a tour of scientific laboratories.

Clinton College, a minority serving institution, is one of eight academic institutions in South Carolina that share $20 million in fiscal year 2022 fundingfrom EM's Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program(MSIPP). The program's mission is to develop the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math leaders. The Technology, Curriculum and Professional Development component of the EM MSIPPprovided Clinton College with the capital and academic resources necessary to launch its Industrial Cybersecurity Program.

"I have never been more astounded with the wealth of knowledge I obtained from you [SRNL] all," Clinton College student Tiffany O'Rilley said. "I really enjoyed the meteorology center and bio-printing-molding of human implants. That was really inspiring and interesting. It's exciting that there will be open doors to future internships soon and I hope to be a part of them and possibly get an internship-to-hire as well."

SRNL provided experiential learning opportunities to the students and professors by exposing them to real-world scientific environments, laboratories and resources. Technical presentations, job shadowing, and tours in areas such as bio-environmental, cybersecurity, remote operations in shielded cells, additive manufacturing, and atmospheric technology were among the tangible enrichment experiences and on-the-job contextual learning opportunities.

"I am amazed by the incredible amount of opportunities SRNL has for students and faculty members," Clinton College Cybersecurity Director Brahima Mbodje said.

Students and faculty gained critical insights into various fields of science, witnessed cutting-edge research and met with SRNL experts. Their visit provided valuable insights into technologies and opportunities unique to DOE national laboratories. These exposures and interactions spark ideas for partnerships and collaborations between scientists, engineers and faculty members, paving the way for future student opportunities, inspiring EM career pathways and providing networking opportunities.

EM MSIPP Technical Liaison Simona Murph said it's incredibly rewarding to witness the excitement and desire of academic institutions to connect with the SRNL scientific community.

"By bridging faculty mentors and students with the DOE communities, we can build and nurture a sustainable workforce for generations to come. SRNL: the bridge to tomorrow," Murph said.