Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards Graduate Fellowship Program

When is the deadline for the application?

 

The deadline for applying to this program is March 1st.

 

When will I hear if I was awarded the fellowship?

 

The Fellowship awards are generally announced in mid April.

 

How many students are awarded the fellowship each year?

 

The number of awards given each year is dependent on the number of graduating Fellows currently in the program, available funding, and the qualifications of the candidates.

 

What area of research and coursework do I need to be involved in to apply?

 

The objective of the Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards Graduate Fellowship (NNIS) program is to meet NNSA's need for highly trained scientists and engineers in the technical areas in which NNSA has ongoing research and development programs. At present, these areas include the following:

• Advancements in analytical techniques and instrumentation used in determining inventory and characterization of nuclear materials.
• Identifying ways to improve instrumentation and techniques for the physical, chemical, and radiological analysis of nuclear or radioactive materials, and any associated materials at both the bulk and trace levels.
• Development of new and innovative methods and improvements to existing methods and instrumentation for chemical and radiological characterization, as well as the development of new and advanced approaches applicable to laboratory, field and in process methods.
• Development of improved approaches to integrating international safeguards into the early design of nuclear facilities
• Development of advanced safeguard approaches and techniques that can be applied to existing and future nuclear facilities, including, inter alia, uranium enrichment, reprocessing, and reactor facilities.
• Development of additional technologies that can be used to detect, verify, and monitor nuclear materials as it relates to production and proliferation.
• Advanced techniques for information retrieval, management, and analysis to optimize information utilization and enhance capabilities for detection of undeclared nuclear materials and activities.
• Innovative ways to strengthen safeguards and security infrastructures, through training and other capacity building measures, in countries with credible plans to develop the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

 

How many years can I be a fellow?

 

The award is limited to 24 months for master's candidates and 48 months for doctoral candidates.

A fellowship appointment may not exceed 48 months and all appointments will be prorated for previous graduate work.

 

Do I need to participate in a practicum?

 

Each fellow is required to complete a three-month practicum at a designated DOE/NNSA facility. These will primarily be DOE national laboratories. The practicum is normally held during the summer at the end of the first academic year.

To encourage a broad range of experience, a practicum assignment will ordinarily only be approved for a practicum facility more than 50 miles from the fellow's university. DOE/NNSA practicum facilities can be found here.

 

Do I need to be a full-time student?

 

During the fellowship period, fellows are expected to be registered and enrolled as full-time graduate students, and must perform study and research within the objectives of the fellowship program.

 

How much financial report will I receive?

 

Fellows receive a monthly stipend in the amount of $2,200. The fellow's basic stipend is augmented by $500 (prorated) each month during the practicum. Stipends are mailed to the fellow or directly deposited into the fellow's bank account each month directly.

 

Do I need to be in school for my Ph.D.?

 

No.  This fellowship is open to all individuals who will be starting graduate studies (Masters or Doctoral) or graduate students (Masters or Doctoral) who are currently enrolled in a qualified course of study (see technical areas) and have at least one full year of graduate work remaining at the beginning of their fellowship term.

 

Can I apply as an undergraduate?

 

Yes. This fellowship is open to all individuals who will be starting graduate studies or graduate students who are currently enrolled in a qualified course of study (see technical areas) and have at least one full year of graduate work remaining at the beginning of their fellowship term.

 

Do I need to be a United States citizen?

 

Yes, for this fellowship, being a U.S. citizen is a requirement.