The National Security Sciences Directorate within the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has signed a memoranda of understanding with Jackson State University and with Tennessee Tech University. The MOUs detail ORNL's intention to work with each university to enhance research and educational opportunities in nuclear science and engineering.
The partnership with JSU aims to increase the pool of national security candidates by leveraging the university's programs in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology and the College of Business. "This collaboration is a critical step in fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment," said Ben Thomas, who leads the initiative at ORNL. Focus areas include nuclear materials accounting and controls, radiation detection and advanced reactor technologies. Near-term goals include information exchange through seminars and lectures, hands-on experiential learning through internships and site visits, and program development opportunities such as faculty sabbaticals at ORNL.
Dr. Alisa Mosely, the provost of Jackson State University, said, "Our partnership with ORNL will open new avenues for our students and faculty, driving innovation and diversity in the nuclear field."
The collaboration with TTU, a university known for its robust engineering programs and proximity to ORNL, is designed to bolster technological advancements and workforce development. Emphasizing the importance of this partnership, Thomas said, "Partnering with Tennessee Tech allows us to harness their engineering expertise to push the boundaries of nuclear technology." Key areas include nuclear energy production, reprocessing of spent fuel and environmental impact assessment. This MOU focuses on developing a new undergraduate program in nuclear engineering at TTU, supported by ORNL's subject matter experts, who will provide seminars, lectures and technical exchanges.
Dr. Lori Bruce, provost of Tennessee Tech, said, "We are excited to work with ORNL to develop cutting-edge technologies and prepare our students for impactful careers in nuclear science."
By collaborating with JSU and with TTU, ORNL aims to enhance research capabilities and provide significant educational and training opportunities.
Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director for national security sciences at ORNL, said, "These MOUs signify a commitment to advancing nuclear science through strategic partnerships, aiming to enhance research capabilities, provide educational and training opportunities and foster innovation in nuclear science and engineering leading to significant advances in national security sciences and prepare a diverse workforce for future challenges."
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
