Collaboration between Idaho National Laboratory and universities are more than practical arrangements; they’re the backbone of innovation. As Alexander Graham Bell wisely observed, “Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds.” These partnerships blend diverse perspectives to address global challenges like energy, climate change and health care. Joint appointments facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources that promote compelling research and accelerate scientific discoveries from theory to practical applications.
INL currently has 69 joint appointments with faculty members from 29 universities – a more than 70% increase since 2022. Those numbers do not include a plethora of our lab staff members who are constantly networking with universities.
Joint appointees access advanced facilities, funding and intellectual networks from both organizations, allowing them to conduct more effective research than they could at a single institution. These roles strengthen ties between research institutions and academia, attract top talent and secure competitive grants. Additionally, they mentor the next generation of researchers, providing hands-on experience and creating pathways into professional research careers.
Faculty appointments
Benjamin Beeler, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University, specializes in computational nuclear materials science. Holding a joint faculty appointment at INL, Beeler integrates his research across multiple institutions where he leads the microstructural modeling working group. “Collaboration is key,” Beeler said. “My research is team-based and involves significant contributions from INL staff and other institutions.” His collaborative approach to mentorship extends to his role at INL, where he mentors summer interns and postdocs. “We work together toward common goals and I encourage creative and logical problem-solving,” he said.
Trishelle Copeland-Johnson is a materials research scientist at INL and a courtesy-appointed faculty member at Oregon State University. Her dual role allows her to mentor graduate students, particularly those in the GEM Fellowship program, which supports underrepresented groups in pursuing advanced degrees in engineering and science. “Mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, especially those from diverse backgrounds, is incredibly rewarding,” Copeland-Johnson said. Her collaboration with faculty at Oregon State enhances her research scope and impact. “The resources and expertise we can tap into through this partnership are invaluable,” she said.
Fei Teng, a staff scientist at the lab’s Materials and Fuels Complex, holds a joint appointment with the University of California, Berkeley. He collaborates on research projects and advises master’s students in nuclear and mechanical engineering. “My roles at INL and UC Berkeley complement each other perfectly,” Teng said. This collaboration enhances research efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “Splitting the workload between INL and UC Berkeley allows us to be more efficient and ultimately lead to more impactful research,” Teng said.
Thomas Fuerst, a research scientist at INL’s Safety and Tritium Applied Research facility, focuses on tritium interactions and safe processing technology. He also holds a joint appointment at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM). “My roles at INL and CSM allow me to bridge the gap between the hydrogen and fusion energy communities and help develop a workforce pipeline for the growing fusion industry,” Fuerst said. Collaborating with CSM on novel membranes for tritium processing leverages the strengths of both institutions. “Mines conducts high throughput material testing, and we test the best-performing materials at INL in hazardous environments,” Fuerst said.
Working with university faculty and students accelerates his research. “Universities can move faster than national labs, but we can handle greater hazards,” he said. “Our strategy of having Mines conduct initial testing to inform higher-risk experiments at INL is the ideal collaboration.”
Outcomes and pathways to faculty appointments
These faculty collaborations have led to significant outcomes, including numerous journal publications, conference presentations and the graduation of advanced degree students. The collaboration between INL and universities accelerates research and provides invaluable hands-on experience for students, creating pathways into professional research careers. “We are doing good science to solve engineering-level problems,” Beeler said, underscoring the commitment to both fundamental research and practical applications.
Monica Towner, Research Excellence Faculty Programs administrator, is INL’s technical point of contact for the joint appointment program and faculty collaboration. Once agreements are established, her team supports the onboarding process at the lab. “The program aims to enhance research collaborations between INL and university staff, thereby strengthening INL’s strategic objectives and increasing opportunities for collaboration and funding,” she said.
