Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Shaping the Future of Science

Spotlight

  • Navigating job and opportunity boards: A STEM guide

    Navigating job and opportunity boards: A STEM guide

    Job boards and other career opportunity platforms are valuable tools for anyone who is looking for STEM internships, fellowships, or employment. Whether you're just starting your STEM journey or advancing your career, these online catalogs can connect you with opportunities that align with your goals.

  • The struggle is worth it: A conversation with Kalidas Mainali, Ph.D., ORISE postdoctoral fellow at the USDA ARS

    ORISE Featurecast

    Kalidas Mainali, Ph.D., is an ORISE postdoctoral fellow at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, who is studying methods for creating biofuels and other valuable resources from agricultural waste. Mainali is a native of Nepal who also studied in Scotland, so he brings a wealth of world-wise experience to his research, but says that he ultimately decided to pursue his Ph.D. in the United States because of the extensive research opportunities available here. In this conversation, Mainali talks about his educational journey, his relationships with his mentors, and his plans for the future.

  • Forest Service fellow uses phylogenetics to discover the origins of crayfish species

    USDA FS: Isis Arantes

    Through the ORISE U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Research Participation Program, Ísis Arantes applied her expertise to study signal crayfish, contributing valuable insights into their genetic relationships and distribution, while encouraging students to embrace STEM-focused federal research opportunities.

  • AI resources for K-12 teachers

    AI in the Classroom

    Educators—are you looking for free resources to help you learn about how artificial intelligence can benefit your students? Check out our AI tools, strategies, and lesson plans designed to help you succeed in the K-12 classroom. Whether you're looking to strengthen student engagement, expand your lesson plans, or dive deeper into the world of AI innovations, we have something for everyone.

ORISE News

Future of Nuclear Energy Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunity

As part of Nuclear Science Week 2025, ORISE invites undergraduate students to explore the future of nuclear energy by researching pivotal technologies and creating engaging infographics tailored to high school audiences. Participants will visually and textually highlight the significance of their chosen technology and its alignment with the nation’s energy goals for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. Submissions are due by November 30, 2025, with winners announced in December.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Teach with Tech Lesson Plan Competition

Teachers! ORISE wants to see how you integrate technology into your lesson plans. Teachers of any grade level or subject are invited to submit a STEM lesson plan that shows how technology enhances your student learning. THREE teachers who submit lesson plans will be selected to receive mini-grants up to $1,500 to help buy equipment for their classroom!

STEM Competitions for K-12 Teachers

The Great American STEM Tour Student Challenge

It's time for a STEM road trip! ORISE wants you to create a virtual tour to showcase STEM across our country!  EIGHT prizes will be awarded with two winners per grade band—two for K-2nd, two for 3rd-5th, two for 6th-8th, and two for 9th-12th.

STEM Competitions for K-12 Students