Higher Education Research Experiences - Entering Freshman 2017

Organization
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Reference Code
ORNL-HERE-EF-2017
How to Apply

Applicants must apply through www.Zintellect.com. All profile and application questions/requirements must be completed and both profile and application must be completed and submitted before application can be reviewed.

The profile and application will require:

  1. Contact information
  2. Education information (i.e. dates of attendance/graduation, GPAs, majors, etc.)
  3. Awards and honors
  4. Employment information and nature of work
  5. Information on special skills, research, areas of interest and /or expertise
  6. An updated resume
  7. Contact information for references, including current email
  8. Unofficial academic record showing name, school name, current/enrolled classes and GPA - official transcript is not required
  9. Availability dates (if applicable)

For questions, contact HERE@orau.org.

Application Deadline
7/1/2017 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

Higher Education Research Experiences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (HERE at ORNL) provides research opportunities and associated activities for participants at all levels, beginning with entering college freshmen through thesis/dissertation research participants, and higher education faculty. The program is designed to complement academic programs by utilizing the unique resources of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education; encourage careers in science and technology, and improve scientific literacy.

Application Deadline

We suggest that you apply by February 1, 2017 as mentors often make their selections by that date. However, you can continue to apply and selections can be made until July 1, 2017.

Term

  • Spring and/or summer following high school graduation and prior to starting college; extensions may be available
  • Full-time and part-time appointments

Benefits

  • Stipend: $400/week paid bi-weekly; pro-rated if part-time
  • $150/week housing allowance for students whose permanent address is 50 miles or more from Oak Ridge; pro-rated if part-time
  • One round trip (limited to $250 each way) for students whose permanent address is 50 miles or more from Oak Ridge; pro-rated if part-time

Before you get started on your application, you should:

  1. Review the research areas at ORNL to assist you in determining what area might fit your career path.  You can see the six discipline areas at www.ornl.gov and begin exploring each one.
    1. For example, if you choose Clean Energy you will learn more about the 3-D printed Shelby Cobra or see a few of the disciplines at ORNL that span this area of research.  If you dig deeper into the Related Publications/News/Research Highlights at the bottom of the page, you will be able to review articles, press releases, etc. that can help you identify key words, important terminology, papers, etc. that can be used as you answer application questions or update your resume.
    2. You can also type an area of interest or key word into the search box at the top right corner on www.ornl.gov and explore the links that are provided to identify key researchers at ORNL or to go to the webpages of the directorates or divisions.  For example, typing “Environmental Science” would lead to the link for the Environmental Sciences Division and the core areas in that division.
    3. And look under the Our People page at www.ornl.gov to find contacts for Divisions, Directorates, and User Facilities at ORNL.  These pages will provide further information which can assist you in identifying potential contacts in your areas of interest.

After you have completed your application, you may want to reach out via email (use the Find People or Our People links at www.ornl.gov to obtain the email address) to the researchers you identify and let them know about your interest for the summer and why you would be a good fit for that researcher’s projects and the division.  Showing initiative through this connection process and discussing your passion for science and research and how it relates to what is happening at ORNL is a great way for you to introduce yourself to potential mentors.  You should reference the ORNL research you have done as well as your background and interest in these emails and in appropriate application questions and essays.  For pool-based programs such as HERE, this personal connection is the key to “standing out” from the hundreds of applications received each cycle.

For more information, visit Science Education Programs at ORNL or contact HERE@orau.org.

Qualifications

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPRs are subject to DOE clearance approval for laboratory entry) - verification required
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 2.5/4.0 - copy of academic record (official transcript will not be required) showing name, school name, current classes and GPA
  • Graduation from high school in the 12 months preceding participation in the program
  • Be currently accepted at an U.S. accredited institution of higher education in a STEM field or related discipline before start of appointment - college acceptance letter for term following participation required
  • Have medical insurance during appointment - verification required
  • Submit two references - one academic preferred
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: High School Diploma/GED received within the last 12 month(s).
  • Overall GPA: 2.50
  • Discipline(s):
    • Business (11 )
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
Affirmation

I certify that:

  • I am a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • I will be at least 18 years old prior to the start of the appointment
  • I have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • I have received or will receive my high school diploma in the 12 months preceding participation in the program
  • I have been accepted to a U.S. accredited institution of higher education in a STEM field or related discipline for term immediately following participation