New Mexico State University welcomed students from other colleges and universities this summer through the inaugural session of its NuChemE Pipeline program, introducing participants to applications of nuclear energy and careers in the nuclear industry.
Launched in 2024, the NuChemE Pipeline initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through a project titled, “Evaluating New Materials and Processes for Radioactive Tank Waste Processing: Workforce Development in f-Element Chemistry, Nuclear Chemical Engineering, and Supply Chain Management.”
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in radioactive waste management by providing training in f-element chemistry, nuclear chemical engineering, and nuclear supply chain management. The summer initiative gives students from outside NMSU hands-on exposure to nuclear energy applications and workforce opportunities in the field.
Since its launch, the NuChemE Pipeline has offered programs that educate NMSU students from various majors about nuclear energy. The programs provide additional education and hands-on experience tailored to their fields of study. However, offering the program only during the academic year limits participation from students at other universities.
NMSU chemical and materials engineering professor Catherine Brewer said the summertime allows the program to expand beyond its normal parameters. She serves as the NuChemE Pipeline lead.
“The goals of the summer program are to introduce students who are not majoring in nuclear engineering to the concepts and contexts of nuclear energy and environmental management through classroom instruction, hands-on lab experiences, and travel to relevant industry sites and national labs,” Brewer said.
“The courses and research projects during the academic year are directed towards NMSU students. The summer program is directed towards non-NMSU students who would not have the opportunity to participate during the academic year,” she said.
Students Share Their Experiences
Students from across the U.S. are attending NMSU this summer. They aim to expand their knowledge and to gain hands-on experience in the nuclear engineering field.
Alexandra Curry, a Florida A&M environmental science senior, said she began exploring programs after choosing a concentration in geochemistry. She sought beyond engineering-focused programs to gain valuable insights into nuclear engineering.
“I was doing research on internships that closely aligned with what I wanted to go to graduate school for, and this one actually was advertised by my school to do for the summertime,” Curry said. “I just applied, and I’ve never been to New Mexico before.’”
The NuChemE Pipeline allowed her to work with geochemists at NMSU and observe their work in the lab. It also gave her hands-on experience alongside them, an opportunity she would not have during the academic year.
The summer initiative expands beyond nuclear engineering, allowing students from diverse academic disciplines to participate. Engineering, sciences, and business majors all attended the program.
Ellie Lindsey said the program includes information on radioactive tank management. She said participants can apply what they learn to their future careers. Lindsey is a University of New Mexico student going into their graduate program for geochemistry and hydrology.
“I do think that in my long-term career goals, I can see myself working with the National Labs here in New Mexico and on nuclear waste treatment programs,” Lindsey said.
“This is the perfect program to have on my resume. This is something I’ve already experienced and have had like a full in-depth course on. I think in that respect it’s a great way of opening that door of the industry to someone who has an environmental background instead of just an engineering or chemistry background.”
The NuChemE Pipeline summer program will continue through late July.