From U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) (DOE-LM): LM Emphasizes Importance of Future Workforce Development and Partnership in DOE-FIU Program | Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Florida International University (FIU) Science and Technology Workforce Development Program, also called the DOE Fellows program, is a partnership between the DOE Office of Environmental Management and FIU’s Applied Research Center. The partnership was designed to train and mentor future engineers to address DOE’s future workforce needs.
The DOE Fellows program is STEM focused, with sponsored students concentrating on studies in applied engineering and science that are compatible with the LM mission. FIU’s program for DOE Fellows is highly coveted by students and not only presents them the opportunity to complete their education in their focused areas of study, but also provides them a pathway to pursue careers in STEM fields with DOE, DOE partners, and private industry once they’ve graduated.
This partnership connects FIU students with academic, government, and DOE partner organizations to develop future scientists and engineers to help with the research, development, and deployment of new strategies and technologies related to environmental cleanup and stewardship at DOE sites.
The Office of Legacy Management (LM) is currently sponsoring two FIU interns through this program. FIU students Daniel Coelho and Valeria Ocampo were inducted into the program in November 2023.
“This program is an incredible opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in very important career fields across DOE,” said LM Site Manager Jalena Dayvault. “These students will be able to graduate ready to enter the workforce in a STEM-related industry.”
Ocampo is currently studying biochemistry at FIU, with a future interest in environmental remediation, nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, and radioactive waste. Her current research focuses on how to remove uranium from groundwater using a mineral form of calcium (hydroxyapatite) and how environmental factors affect the uranium-hydroxyapatite interaction at the Rifle, Colorado, Site.
Coelho is pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering at FIU and is working as a graduate research assistant at the Applied Research Center. He is currently working on different techniques related to artificial intelligence.
“The caliber of students and the hands-on training they are receiving at FIU is amazing. DOE sets them up to be competitive for positions with DOE and its contractors,” Dayvault said. “The DOE-FIU program is extremely important to the workforce and fosters valuable partnerships. We want to mentor all these students in a way that makes them successful in each of their career paths.”
Tags: DOE LM