Published: Nov. 29, 2018

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technool gy, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research internships at one of 15 participating Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Students perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission. This work is supported through the DOE's Office of Science Workforce Development for Teachers and Students Office (WDTS).

Overview

Internship opportunities are available during the following terms. Summer (1O weeks), Fall and Spring (15 weeks). Applications are solicited annually three times a year through the DOE website for each of the terms. Each DOE laboratory offers different research opportunities; not all DOE laboratories offer internships during the Fall and Spring Terms.

A typical experience starts with students spending the first week with an Argonne supervising staff member devising a research strategy and attending mandatory safety classes. For the next few weeks, the supervisor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance. Subsequently, the student will be expected to complete a pre- and post-survey, oral or poster presentation, 1500 - 3000 word research report, and a one-page peer review.

In addition to their research activities, participants attend a series of seminars and tours dealing with current topics in science and engineering and career development.

Argonne 's Area of Research

Argonne participates in basic scientific research programs in Physical and Life Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. In addition, applied research programs relating to Energy, Conservation, Environmental Impact and Technolog,y Nano-materials, National Security, and Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems. Please search the Research Projects Catalog specific research project descriptions available at Argonne.

Eligibility

  • Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution and completed at least one year of schooling
  • Undergraduate cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • 18 years or older at the time the internship begins
  • U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident at the time of applying
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident

Selection is based upon a student's academic record, statement of interests, and his/her faculty recommendations.

Applicants who will complete their undergraduate degree prior to starting their internship may apply as a "Graduating Senior'', if (1) the applicant has not yet started a program of graduate study and will not matriculate as a graduate student prior to completing the SULI term, and (2) the time period between receipt of an undergraduate degree and starting the SULI term is less than one year. Community college students are eligible to apply.

Application Process

All applications to the SULI program must be completed online through the DOE online application system

The application requirements include:

  • Contact and education information
  • Citizenship status
  • Laboratory choice and research interests
  • Essays
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation

Applicants are limited to participation in the SULI program to no more than two (2) internships and can apply to the SULI program a maximum of three times.

Selected students will be notified by email with the official offer package providing details of the project, stipend, housing, travel reimbursement, etc. The offer must be accepted within 10 calendar days upon receipt of the formal offer. Successful applicants may be offered an appointment at either their first or second choice host laboratory. If the applicant declines an offer from their first-choice laboratory, there will not be an offer from the second choice laboratory.

Financial Information

During the appointment period, participants receive a stipend of $500 per week and housing in the on-site student units. Students pay the appropriate tuition to their home university. In most cases, students receiving financial aid remain eligible for their school's financial aid program. Students should consult their financial aid office.

SummerÌý2019 application deadline: January 10th 2019 (subject to change).
For additional information on the program, please consult the DOE website