The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are teaming up to offer an exciting new internship opportunity in clean hydrogen energy. This program, called Hydrogen INTERN, is designed to train and develop the next generation of experts in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
What is Hydrogen INTERN?
Hydrogen INTERN is part of the NSF’s Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (NSF INTERN) program. It aims to give graduate students hands-on experience in the hydrogen energy sector. This program will provide about 10 internships each year, with each student receiving up to $55,000 for a six-month period.
Why Hydrogen?
Hydrogen energy is a promising renewable energy source that can be used for transportation, industrial applications, and stationary power. However, to fully realize its potential, we need a skilled workforce to drive research, development, and commercialization of hydrogen technologies. These include hydrogen generation, production, delivery, infrastructure, storage, and fuel cells.
Real-World Experience
The Hydrogen INTERN program will place students in various non-academic settings such as industry, nonprofit organizations, national laboratories, and government agencies. This will allow students to gain practical experience and develop the skills needed for a career in clean energy.
Voices of Support
Susan Margulies, NSF Assistant Director for Engineering, expressed excitement about the program: “We are thrilled to see Hydrogen INTERN come to life.”
Sunita Satyapal, Director of the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, added: “Equipping the next generation of clean hydrogen professionals with real-world experience is crucial given the industry’s growth projections over the coming decades.”
Terrence Mosley, DOE EERE Senior Advisor for Diversity and STEM, emphasized the program’s impact: “This internship program shows our commitment to exposing students to clean energy careers and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”
Alexandra Isern, NSF Assistant Director for Geosciences, highlighted the program’s benefits for students: “Hydrogen INTERN will prepare graduate students for diverse careers in hydrogen energy and help spur U.S. growth in clean energy.”
Building a Sustainable Future
Hydrogen INTERN will enhance academic research training and prepare students for multiple career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to include diverse talents and encourage participation from all backgrounds.
This initiative is part of a larger effort coordinated through the NSF-DOE Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2022, which aims to strengthen collaboration on scientific and engineering research to support national energy policy.
Hydrogen INTERN is a big step towards building a skilled workforce that can lead the way in clean hydrogen energy, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.