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WDTS Outreach Mini-Semester Program

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The Mini-Semester program provides undergraduate STEM students an exciting opportunity to interact with world-renowned scientists, engineers and research in a real-world setting at Brookhaven National Laboratory. 

The program hosts two tracks: a broad Interdisciplinary Science track, and an Engineering/Technical track. Students will apply to their selected track. Both tracks will explore the science and unique opportunities and facilities at BNL. All students will interact with world-class scientists, engineers, facilities and build a network foundation of their own with laboratory administrators and the scientific community. Housing and transportation for the week will be supported by BNL.

  • Interdisciplinary Science 
    • Students in this track will be introduced to the broad wide range of first-class research conducted at BNL in the areas of Physics, Energy, Climate Science, Computational Science and user facilities. This week will help students understand different pathways to a variety of scientific careers, develop personal networking opportunities with the BNL scientific community and the laboratory administrators. Throughout the week, students will learn research concepts through hands-on activities that will be supported and reinformed directly by BNL researchers. Undergraduates majoring in all STEM areas are encouraged to apply. 
  • Technical/Engineering

    • The technical/engineering week will reflect the development of highly specialized instrumentation and controls that support the scientific enterprise at BNL and other national laboratories. This track will focus on sensor development and programming, troubleshooting, use of sensors and other instrumentation critical to facility operation and detection of various signals associated with research at the Lab. The program will be supported by technical/engineering subject matter experts with lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Local undergraduate students from community colleges and universities pursuing a technical or engineering degree are encouraged to apply. 

Program Benefits

The one week Mini-Semester Program introduces undergraduate students to the internship and research opportunities available at BNL and the larger DOE community. Students will:

  • Build a network foundation with laboratory administrators and the scientific community 
  • Participate in hands-on activities supported by BNL scientists, engineers and technicians  
  • Learn about DOE WDTS internship opportunties 
  • Learn about current scientific research projects and areas of interest at BNL
  • Participate in guided tours of BNL's scientific facilities to observe research projects in progress
  • Interact with world-class scientists, engineers, and user facilities

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently enrolled in a full-time college or university 
  • Applicants must be majoring in a STEM discipline and have demonstrated strong abilities and interest in STEM.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required
  • At least 18 years of age 
  • Available for the entire program from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Applicant must be U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the U.S.
  • Active health insurance for the duration of the program 
  • Students accepted into the 2025 Mini-Semester will be required to complete a WDTS DOE internship application for summer 2025. 

Application Requirements

  • Completed application by the student 
  • Two recommendation letters, at least one STEM faculty member. Recommendations are not allowed from family members, friends, or friends of family members. 
  • An essay <500 words that identifies three areas of research being conducted at BNL of interest to the applicant and why the student is motivated to participate in the Mini-semester program.
  • If you are interested in applying, please ask your STEM faculty member for the application links. 

Contact

Workforce Development and Science Education Office
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Building 438
Upton, NY 11973-5000

About Us

Using the unique scientific tools and intellectual resources of Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Workforce Development and Science Education Office prepares the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians, and educators. Our team comprises scientists, science educators, and engineers to develop and facilitate workforce development and education initiatives that support the scientific mission of Brookhaven Lab and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Program Audience

Undergraduate Students