On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, undergraduate researchers from the University of South Carolina’s summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs in Chemical Engineering, Biology, and Physics visited Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for a full day of immersive engagement with national lab professionals. The visit was organized by USC’s National Laboratories Office (NLO), which also provides full support for the REU programs in Chemical Engineering and Biology and partial support for select students in the Physics REU program.
The visit provided students with a firsthand look into the lab’s critical mission areas and research capabilities. Upon arrival, the group was greeted by SRNL’s University Engagement staff which was followed by a warm welcome and overview of SRNL by Elizabeth Hoffman, Director of Innovation and University Engagement, giving students a sense of the lab’s national security and energy research mission.
Students participated in two extensive laboratory tours, where they observed real-world applications of scientific principles they are exploring through their summer research projects. The tours offered a unique perspective on how interdisciplinary teams at SRNL are working to solve some of the country’s most pressing scientific and engineering challenges.
A working lunch and panel discussion featured insights from SRNL professionals Stephen Vicchio, Chelsea Goetzman, Collin Malone, and Gregory Chipman. These panelists shared their diverse career journeys and offered valuable guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in national laboratories or federal research agencies.
The day concluded with a presentation by Valarie Preddy, Internship Program Lead, on internship and fellowship opportunities available at SRNL and across the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory system—providing students with clear next steps to further their careers in scientific research.
The NLO’s leadership in coordinating and funding this visit emphasizes its ongoing commitment to expanding access and exposure to national laboratory careers for undergraduate researchers in USC’s summer REU programs. By fostering connections between students and DOE labs, the NLO is playing a key role in strengthening the pipeline of emerging talent prepared to contribute to national innovation and security.
