Summer research associates arrived at NETL sites June 5 and have begun collaborating with the Lab’s scientists, engineers and other professionals to gain direct experience in their fields and contribute to innovative projects to meet the nation’s energy needs.

“NETL’s research associates are selected from an elite pool of candidates and represent the best and brightest in their fields,” said NETL Director Brian Anderson. “We are pleased they will be joining us as they contribute to projects and acquire experience to serve as the next generation of innovators.”

Fifty-four research associates will collaborate with world-renowned researchers and mentors at NETL. Thirty-seven research associates will be on-site at NETL facilities in Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while 17 research associates will complete assignments virtually.

The majority of the research associates have been assigned to NETL through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) program. MLEF is a highly competitive 10-week summer educational fellowship program for students who are science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors. Participants will complete a cutting-edge research project in support of DOE’s mission to minimize the environmental impacts of energy resource recovery and use while working toward net-zero emissions.

The MLEF program was created in 1995 to strengthen a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals. The program provides participants the unique opportunity to gain direct research experience at various DOE national laboratories across the country. Participants gain insight into how DOE is working to meet the energy challenges of the future, including policy and regulation, project finance and strategic performance measures.

NETL drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By using its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.