Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Shaping the Future of Science

Spotlight

  • Academia, industry, and federal: What are the different STEM career paths?

    A pair of engineers in a modern laboratory discussing prototype built with the help of 3D printer

    ORISE participants engage in research experiences and technical projects that help to prepare them for a wealth of exciting career opportunities. However, within the STEM fields, there are still many diverging paths, categorized broadly within the academic, industry, and federal sectors, with each pathway having its own pros and cons.

    Read the blog post

  • SULI intern researches biofuel refinement methods

    ORNL SULI: Erik Head

    Discover Erik Head's journey from a STEM-inspired upbringing to groundbreaking biofuel research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the SULI program. Explore how his chemical engineering internship shaped his career aspirations and advanced energy-efficient solutions.

    Read more about Head's research

  • REAC/TS participates in Y-12 emergency management exercise

    Registered Nurse Kristy Diffenderfer-Stewart (fourth from left) discussed triage and decontamination with the MMC staff while Health Physicist Meghan Dieffenthaller (second from left) surveyed the exercise patients for contamination.

    The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) recently supported an emergency exercise hosted in and around the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. During the exercise, Methodist Medical Center contacted REAC/TS for assistance with 12 exercise patients from Y-12.

    Read the news feature

  • Transforming lesson planning in just one day: ORISE hosts “What’s all the Buzz about?” professional development course

    Transforming lesson planning in just one day: ORISE hosts “What’s all the Buzz about?” professional development course

    ORISE gave educators an incredible opportunity to transform their approach to lesson planning in just one day during the “What’s all the Buzz about?” professional development course. From programming with binary code to building rockets, participants explored free resources and cost-effective projects designed to inspire children of all abilities.

    Read the feature

ORISE News

Innovate to Educate: Emerging Technology Lesson Plan Competition

Teachers! Do you have innovative ideas for a lesson plan that explores emerging technologies? Topics like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, machine learning, computer science, and fusion energy are buzzing in the world of STEM. Three teachers who submit outstanding lesson plans will be selected to receive mini-grants of up to $1,000 to purchase new STEM equipment and supplies for their classrooms.

STEM Competitions for K-12 Teachers

Positively STEM June Social Media Contest

Teachers! School may be out, but summer social media contests are just beginning! Throughout the month of June, we want to know your classroom experiences and strategies for creating a positive, engaging STEM environment!

STEM Competitions for K-12 Teachers

Save the date: ORISE Symposium set for August

Make plans to join us for the 2025 ORISE Symposium! This virtual event will feature professional development webinars, panel discussions, a poster session showcasing the research of ORISE participants, and ceremonies recognizing the winners of this year's Ignite Off! competition and Future of Science Awards. The symposium is open to all ORISE participants, alumni, mentors, and federal agency staff.

ORISE Symposium