At the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) innovation thrives on collaboration. That spirit was on full display Aug. 13-15 during this year’s University Days, an event to provide information, initiate discussions and foster connections.
The event welcomed more than 130 participants from across the country, including experts from universities, national laboratories, industry, federal partners and INL staff members and interns.
A mission-focused gathering
“This event should be looked at more as a working group or a workshop where attendees get hands-on exposure to what we do,” said April Augustine, INL’s director for National Security Workforce Development programs. “We want to spark a conversation to find the connection.”
The event featured a wide range of topic areas from across the lab, including three directorates: National and Homeland Security; Energy and Environment Science and Technology; and Nuclear Science and Technology.
“This event provided a valuable opportunity to emphasize the vital function of university consortia in bolstering the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE), as well as the significance of direct collaboration between universities and NSE staff,” said Betsy Snell a federal program manager who attended online. “This gathering effectively demonstrates the critical role universities play in strengthening the enterprise and offers the Department of Energy laboratories, plants and sites the opportunity to actively shape the future workforce.”
Hands-on learning in action
A three-part series provided participants with detailed insights into cyber vulnerabilities in nuclear settings. Attendees engaged in a simulation that demonstrated the compromise of a spent fuel pool cooling system, examined attack vectors using a portable cyber simulation kit and explored the exploitation of surveillance systems in a mock theft scenario.
The virtual reality experience developed by Carlos Quintanilla, an INL intern using Meta Quest 3 was another highlight. This interactive mock-up guided users through the core principles of molten salt reactor technology, showcasing its advantages and the life cycle of the waste it generates. The experience provided a greater understanding of the processes involved in molten salt reactors for those unfamiliar with the technology.
Building the future STEM workforce
University Days also served as a platform for shaping the future of STEM engagement. Experts from academic institutions and national labs shared insights on research-informed approaches to STEM education and workforce development. These experts emphasized practical strategies that support the next generation of scientists, engineers and national security professionals.
Universities learned how they can help students and early-career researchers build their professional experience through internships, mentoring, collaboration and recognition. Recommendations include awards, publications and other achievements that demonstrate their ability to perform in their chosen fields.
“By attending, you gain valuable knowledge and connections,” said Augustine. “You discover how you can be part of an innovative community dedicated to shaping the future of technology and workforce development.”
Connecting talent to mission
INL’s National Security Workforce Development Programs team plays a critical role in attracting, developing and retaining talent to support INL’s National and Homeland Security mission areas. These areas include forecasting and understanding future threats, protecting U.S. borders and cyberspace, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and ensuring national economic prosperity and security.
The team connects students with relevant academic degrees to career opportunities at INL. Further, the team provides expert reviews of staffing and internship applicant pools, leads academic engagements, and creates new pathways for developing the next generation of researchers and leaders.
“We spent weeks coordinating across not just National and Homeland Security’s divisions but across directorates trying to give attendees the best experience possible,” said Augustine. “This event gives universities and potential partners the opportunity to hear from us and connect with the lab.”
Conversations that matter
Throughout the event, panel discussions featured INL employees who shared their personal journeys and success stories. These first-hand accounts helped attendees understand the real-world impact of INL’s programs and the opportunities available to them.
The “Find Your STEM Village” exercise provided an open working group opportunity where participants could connect with others in their respective fields of interest, exchange contact information, discuss ideas and explore new proposals and opportunities.
“People are really interested in hearing where they can make connections,” said Augustine. “This kind of open dialogue is where real collaboration begins.”
A lasting impact
In the end, University Days 2025 was a launchpad for ideas, partnerships and careers.
“The sessions were insightful, the interactions were engaging, and the overall experience was incredibly rewarding,” said Pushpita Chatterjee, an assistant professor of computer science and data science from Meharry Medical College. “I look forward to staying connected and exploring future opportunities to collaborate.”
For students exploring their future, researchers seeking collaboration or professionals looking to make an impact, University Days offered a space to learn, connect and grow.
“When people leave here, we want them to feel like they’ve found their place in the mission,” said Augustine. “That’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
