This spring, the National Laboratories Office (NLO) at the University of South Carolina hosted two dynamic sessions designed to connect students with impactful opportunities and real-world insights from leaders in science and research. These sessions—"Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to National Fellowships from the DOE and Other Agencies" on March 19 and "From USC to SRNL" on April 2—offered students a chance to explore careers in national laboratories, learn about fellowship programs, and hear directly from USC alumni working at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).

Unlocking Opportunities: National Fellowships and Professional Growth

When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Where: Virtual and In-Person Hybrid, USC Innovation 1400

The first session centered on the power of national fellowships as a springboard for academic and career advancement. Jennifer Bess, Director of National Fellowships at USC, and Matthew Klopfenstein, Director of Professional Development at The Graduate School, shared invaluable tips on how to find, apply for and secure competitive fellowships—particularly those offered by the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal agencies.

The highlight of the session was a panel of current and former fellowship recipients—including Emma McBride and Madeleine McBride from the DOD Cyber Service Academy, and Natalie Wieber from the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program. Students also had the chance to hear from SRNL PhD Fellows Hope Smith and Maria Goncalves, who shared how national lab partnerships have shaped their graduate research and career trajectories.

From USC to SRNL: Alumni Insights on National Lab Careers

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Where: Virtual and In-Person Hybrid, USC Innovation 1400

The second session brought four accomplished USC alumni, now scientists at SRNL, back to campus to share their personal journeys from graduate school to impactful careers at a national lab. The panel featured:

• Elle Belliveau, Scientist (Hydrogen Isotope), PhD Chemistry (Nov. 2019)
• Corey Martin, Staff Scientist, PhD Inorganic Chemistry (May 2022)
• Sean Noble, Senior Scientist, PhD Chemical Engineering (May 2020)
• Abigail Waldron, Senior Scientist, PhD Analytical Chemistry (2021)

Each panelist shared candid stories about their academic paths, transition into SRNL and the projects they're currently working on. Students had the chance to engage in Q&A, learn about internship and fellowship options, and gain firsthand advice on what it takes to thrive in the national lab environment.

Looking Ahead

The National Laboratories Office continues to serve as a bridge between USC students and the broader world of research, innovation and public service. Whether learning about the value of fellowships or exploring life at a national lab, students walked away from these events with new inspiration and a clearer sense of the opportunities available to them.

Stay tuned for more NLO events in the fall—and for those interested in national lab pathways, be sure to connect with the National Laboratories Office for upcoming events, resources and personalized guidance.

 

 

18 April 2025