The U.S. Department of Energy’s national Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is fueling the future of STEM education at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with seven grants aimed at driving innovation and diversity in nuclear security.
Funded through the department’s MSI Partnership Program (MSIPP), these grants aim to boost educational and research capacities in STEM at MSIs through a series of interinstitutional partnerships. The initiative is designed to support a diverse workforce in the Nuclear Security Enterprise — a semi-autonomous DOE agency — while offering experiential learning opportunities through collaborations with nuclear security labs and facilities.
“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,” Undersecretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby said in a press release. “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.”
Among the seven grants, each focuses on advancing technical knowledge in areas such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and nuclear security. For example, the University of New Mexico leads the ZAIN project, a consortium focusing on nuclear fuel waste management in partnership with historically Black colleges and universities Florida A&M University and Prairie View A&M University. Meanwhile, Florida International University’s CREPES program, in collaboration with Alabama A&M and the University of Texas at El Paso, continues its work in power and cyber systems.
Other consortia include the University of Central Florida’s QUICKSTART, which explores emerging technologies like quantum computing and cybersecurity, and North Carolina A&T’s TRACS, focused on automation and machine learning.
Another noteworthy project, the Scholarly Partnership in Nuclear Engineering led by Morgan State University in collaboration with Navajo Technical University and the University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras, focuses on developing cutting-edge research in nuclear sensors and advanced manufacturing. This new consortium provides students with hands-on experience and training in these critical areas, further strengthening the technical skills needed for careers in nuclear security.
These partnerships not only enhance the technical capabilities of MSIs but also foster career pathways for students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
