The Bright Future in Energy Scholarship Competition
INL’s Bright Future in Energy Scholarship Competition is open to 11th- and 12th-grade students interested in pursuing a postsecondary education and career focused on science, technology, engineering or math. With funding provided by Battelle Energy Alliance, INL expects to award a total of $25,000 in scholarships to winners and runners-up.
Participating students will research one of three science-related prompts and prepare a virtual presentation for an expert panel of INL judges.
2023 applications are closed. 2024 applications are expected to open fall 2023.
Bright Future in Energy Scholarship Prompts:
- What role does nuclear energy play in helping the world achieve a future with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions? How do the risks and benefits of nuclear energy compare with other existing energy technologies?
- How do we develop a truly sustainable recycling method that is economically feasible, environmentally responsible and socially justifiable? What role can such a program play in helping the world achieve a future with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?
- Consider your nearest major city. What are the cybersecurity concerns associated with operating this city’s government, energy and transportation infrastructure? How can these concerns be communicated in a way that creates greater cybersecurity awareness in schools, communities and industry?
Questions? Contact Adrienne Petrovic.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Bright Future in Energy Scholarship Competition!
Top scholar: Abigail Stephens
Stephens researched the question, “How do we develop a truly sustainable recycling method that is economically feasible, environmentally responsible and socially justifiable? What role can such a program play in helping the world achieve a future with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions?”
She explored whether limiting carbon dioxide emissions from coal power plants through deep sea carbon dioxide injection is a sustainable recycling method. The ocean naturally captures carbon dioxide and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
Stephens plans to attend Texas A&M University at Galveston in the fall and double major in marine science and marine biology.
Runner Up: Elsa Cutler
Cutler researched the question, “What role does nuclear energy play in helping the world achieve a future with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions? How do the risks and benefits of nuclear energy compare with other existing energy technologies?”
In her research, Cutler examined how nuclear energy is a clean, reliable and affordable energy system.
“To reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the answer must include nuclear energy,” she said.
Cutler plans to attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut and major in the sciences, possibly chemistry.
