NNSA funds projects to expand MSI Partnership Program

The funding supports projects focused on building educational capacities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) disciplines at MSIs. In addition, the funds strengthen educational and research capabilities for the schools, support a diverse student workforce across what the NNSA calls the “Nuclear Security Enterprise,” provide collaborative access among MSIs, and develop graduates in STEM areas of focus. “These partnerships provide experiential learning while promoting direct collaborations with a Nuclear Security Enterprise laboratory, plant, and/or site facility,” an October 17 NNSA press release noted.

The projects: The following projects are being funded and focus on furthering technical knowledge in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, and nuclear security:

• An MSI–Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Partnership Program for the Development and Screening of Nanostructured Zirconate Analogues for Immobilization of Nuclear Fuel Waste (ZAIN) is led by University of New Mexico, in partnership with Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University and Prairie View Agriculture and Mechanical University. The NNSA collaborators are Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. ZAIN is a new consortium focused on developing knowledge, skills, and systems in nuclear waste materials. The project, supporting nuclear waste management and nuclear waste stability, is the first of its kind with MSIPP.
• Consortium for Research and Education in Power and Energy Systems (CREPES) is led by Florida International University, in partnership with Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University and University of Texas–El Paso. The NNSA collaborators are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia. CREPES is a renewal partnership providing research and educational platforms in power, nuclear engineering, and cyber systems.
• Nuclear Security Science and Technology Consortium (NSSTC) is led by the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, in partnership with University of New Mexico and University of Illinois–Chicago. The NNSA collaborators are Argonne National Laboratory, LANL, and Nevada National Security Sites. NSSTC is a renewal partnership that will continue to work on science, technology, and engineering capabilities.
• Partnership and Training for NNSA Engineering and Relevant Sciences (PARTNERS) is led by University of Central Florida, in partnership with University of California–Irvine and Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. The NNSA collaborators are LLNL, LANL, and Sandia. PARTNERS is a new consortium that will support students in underrepresented communities to earn engineering degrees. Students will gain experience working with the Nuclear Security Enterprise conducting research in support of the NNSA.
• Quantum Integrated Cyber Knowledge Simulation, Training, Advanced Research, and Technology (QUICKSTART) is led by University of Central Florida, in partnership with Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University and Seminole State College of Florida. The NNSA collaborator is the Y-12 National Security Complex. QUICKSTART is a new consortium focused on developing experiential learning opportunities in cybersecurity, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and other emerging cyber facets.
• Scholarly Partnership in Nuclear Engineering (SPINE) is led by Morgan State University, in partnership with Navajo Technical University and University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras Campus. The NNSA collaborators are Idaho National Laboratory and Savannah River National Laboratory. SPINE is a new consortium that will develop new training and research capabilities in nuclear sensors and advanced manufacturing.
• Tri-State Consortium for Resilient Automation and Cybersecurity System (TRACS) is led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in partnership with Tennessee State University and South Carolina State University. The DOE/NNSA collaborators are Oak Ridge National Laboratory and SRNL. TRACS is a new consortium that will develop and provide students experience in automation and machine learning, information science, and cybersecurity. Students from HBCUs will work with the Nuclear Security Enterprise to enhance their skills in STEM fields in support of the NNSA’s mission.

Quote: “NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program is advancing education opportunities for underrepresented communities,” said Jill Hruby, undersecretary for nuclear security and NNSA administrator. “The investment into minority serving institutions for academic research in STEM education is vital to enable the full talent of our nation to contribute to nuclear security. We are excited about the positive impacts these grants will have on both students and national security. MSIPP is committed to advancing equity, economic opportunities, and educational excellence.”