Program Highlights

Thanks to this program, what once felt like a distant goal has become a tangible and achievable reality…Being surrounded by driven, like-minded students created a strong sense of community and mutual motivation. These connections not only enriched my academic life but also greatly expanded my social and professional network.” -EM STARS Participant, 2025

By the Numbers

  • 1-to-1 Mentorship: Every participant is paired with a dedicated EM STARS mentor for personalized guidance and professional support throughout the program.
  • 6 DOE EM Sites Supported: Participants have contributed to projects at the Portsmouth Paducah Project Office, Savannah River Site, Hanford Field Office, EM Consolidated Business Center, and DOE EM Headquarters in Washington, DC.
  • 13 Student Conferences Sponsored: Students received education and travel support to attend conferences focused on leadership, STEM, environmental management, and professional development.
  • 8 Professional Development Webinars Hosted: Participants engaged in program-specific workshops covering topics such as professional branding, time management, work-life balance, financial wellness, communication skills, and navigating difficult conversations.
  • 10–12 Students Per Cohort: Small cohort sizes provide meaningful networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with fellow EM STARS participants and professionals across the DOE complex.

Examples of Projects by Major

  • Chemical Engineering

    Chemical engineering
    • Support process safety and operational review activities at industrial and nuclear-related facilities.
    • Assist with evaluating technical documentation, chemical system operations, risk analyses, and compliance with federal safety standards.
    • Participate in multidisciplinary engineering projects focused on safe and efficient facility operations.

  • Civil Engineering

    Civil Engineering
    • Assist with environmental infrastructure and wastewater treatment improvement projects supporting regulatory compliance and sustainable operations.
    • Review engineering data, evaluate treatment system designs, and support remediation technology research and engineering analyses.
    • Participate in project planning discussions and utility infrastructure improvement efforts.

  • Computer Science

    Computer Science
    • Support enterprise information technology and cybersecurity initiatives across secure operational environments.
    • Assist with system monitoring, vulnerability identification, network and workstation support, software installation, and troubleshooting activities.
    • Gain exposure to cybersecurity operations, information security practices, and secure technology management.

  • Cybersecurity

    Cybersecurity
    • Participate in cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability management activities, and risk evaluation efforts supporting federal cybersecurity compliance.
    • Contribute to research involving emerging cyber threats, defensive technologies, and operational technology security.
    • Support documentation, audit preparation, security operations, and artificial intelligence technology initiatives.

  • Electrical Engineering

    Electrical Engineering
    • Support electrical distribution system design and infrastructure projects associated with major federal and commercial development initiatives.
    • Assist with high-voltage transmission line coordination, industrial power system planning, and construction support activities.
    • Gain exposure to electrical infrastructure improvements supporting future technology and reindustrialization projects.

  • Environmental Engineering

    Environmental Engineering
    • Assist with environmental operations, workforce development, and technical qualification activities supporting environmental management programs.
    • Support data management, training coordination, staffing analyses, and operational readiness initiatives.
    • Gain exposure to environmental compliance processes and contractor evaluation activities.

  • Environmental Science

    Environmental Science
    • Support environmental compliance, remediation, monitoring, and site restoration projects associated with large-scale cleanup operations.
    • Assist with regulatory reviews, environmental inspections, ecological research, environmental reporting, and monitoring program evaluations.
    • Gain experience with federal and state environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and long-term stewardship activities.

  • Mechanical Engineering

    Mechanical Engineering
    • Support engineering oversight and operational review activities related to waste treatment and industrial processing systems.
    • Assist with reviewing system designs, maintenance requirements, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and operational procedures.
    • Participate in facility walkdowns, equipment evaluations, and infrastructure reliability assessments.

  • Nuclear Engineering

    Nuclear Engineering
    • Support radioactive waste management, facility decommissioning, remediation planning, and nuclear infrastructure lifecycle activities.
    • Assist with tank waste chemistry reviews, radiological operations, waste treatment coordination, and environmental risk reduction efforts.
    • Participate in technical assessments, project management activities, facility inspections, and long-term cleanup planning initiatives.

Hear From Former Participants

My time in the program has helped me grow tremendously—both professionally and personally.” -EM STARS Participant, 2025

This practical, hands-on experience greatly expanded my technical knowledge base and refined essential professional skills. I gained a deeper understanding of the application of engineering principles within the context of large-scale, highly regulated government operations.”-EM STARS Participant, 2025

One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the mentorship I received. My mentor was consistently supportive and encouraged me to ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage with the broader goals of the project.” -EM STARS Participant, 2025

The program has had a lasting impact on both my academic and professional journey. Before joining, I felt uncertain about what to pursue after graduation and wasn’t sure if graduate school was the right choice. With the support of this program, I gained confidence and clarity to move forward.” -EM STARS Participant, 2025

The program offered a range of structured learning opportunities. These activities were instrumental in shaping my personal and professional goals.” -EM STARS Participant, 2025

One of the most impactful experiences was attending the Waste Management Symposium in person. This event exposed me to professionals working across environmental management, nuclear operations, remediation, and waste processing industries.” -EM STARS Participant, 2026