The National Nuclear Security Administration offers two programs to provide avenues for aspiring individuals to enhance their career in the National Security Enterprise.  Through NNSA’s Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) and Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSIIP), promising professionals can attain leadership development, specialized training, mentorship, and gain hands-on-experience to advance their careers.

Since its humble beginnings of three fellows in 1995 to today’s 60-plus fellows, NGFP has become an institutional talent pipeline and leadership continuum for the enterprise.  The NGFP has consistently attracted highly motivated graduate and doctoral students to grow their skills within NNSA. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, this year-long, salaried fellowship offers:

• Real-world experience in national security and nonproliferation;
• Leadership development, professional networking, and specialized training; and
• Interaction and collaboration with leading national security technology and policy experts.

The program hires current and recent graduate students into NNSA program, functional, and site offices across the country as well as the U.S. Department of State.

Susana Herrera is an NNSA Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.  As a scientist, she provides research, development, and production capabilities needed to carry out stockpile stewardship and advance the nuclear threat reduction mission.

Susana's favorite part of the job is helping advance science and technology to support national security and seeing how her contributions make our nation safer. Susana earned a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Florida International University (FIU).  She also obtained a Master’s Degree in chemistry from FIU and is completing her last year of studies toward a Doctorate in the same field of study.  When asked what makes the NGFP program different, Susana says, “What makes the NNSA different is their diversity and inclusion efforts.  As a child of immigrants and a woman, I never thought I would get the opportunity to be where I am today.  Since I joined the NGFP program, I have found an incredible support group and mentors.”

NNSA’s MSIIP is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and supports NNSA’s mission to strengthen key science, technology, and engineering capabilities while enhancing its career and leadership pipeline. MSIIP offers undergraduate and graduate students summer or year-long internship opportunities within NNSA’s headquarters offices, national laboratories, and site offices. Program participants gain access to mentorship by leading scientists, engineers, and other top professionals to develop their skills, and enhance their leadership capabilities.  Through programs like MSIIP, NNSA is building a more inclusive, engaged, diverse, and highly skilled workforce in all academic fields.

Omar Castillo is a fellow supporting NNSA’s Stockpile Services Division which maintains safe, secure, and reliable operations and maintenance of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. Omar’s favorite part of the job is working with dedicated individuals that believe in the mission and have devoted their professional careers to civil service. Omar earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Channel Islands. Most recently, Omar earned a Master of Science in software engineering from California State University, Fullerton. On how the program has affected his career, Omar says, “NNSA has been greatly invested in my career. They have given me the opportunity to receive a world-class education on nuclear security matters and receive valuable training, mentorship from senior leadership, and finally, I even learned a new language.”

“Our NNSA Graduate Fellowship and Minority Serving Institutions Internship programs are central to our efforts to recruit diverse talent ready to meet the challenges of a changing world,” said Marcus Lea, NNSA Associate Administrator for Management and Budget. “These programs help students connect with and learn from our leaders, our technical staff, and our partners around the world while gaining hands-on experience, specialized training, and professional development.”

The NGFP application is open from March to October for fellowships beginning the following June. Interested students can learn more and apply today at http://www.pnnl.gov/projects/ngfp.

The MSIIP application is now open and interested students can learn more and apply at https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP.