Kicking off the summer, fifteen graduate students from Ontario Tech University had the opportunity to immerse themselves into the nuclear science underway at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Chalk River campus. The week-long experience is part of a new three-year program – the Ontario Tech-CNL Graduate Immersive Experience Program, in partnership with Ontario Tech’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) and Brilliant Catalyst – Ontario Tech University’s on-campus start-up incubator and experiential learning hub. The program was designed to provide new experiential learning, mentorship opportunities and a firsthand look at the many different careers available in research and development at Canada’s national nuclear laboratory.
“We understand students want more experiential learning and they’re also very invested in making a difference,” said Gina Strati, Director, Academic Partnership Program, CNL. “We’re driving research and development innovation supporting Canada’s clean energy future and students are looking at where they can not only invest their skills but where they can make an impact. We want to show them the variety of truly interesting opportunities available at CNL.”
The five-day experience held at CNL’s Chalk River campus focused on fusion energy – one of the many areas of clean energy research being undertaken at the campus. Students were given the opportunity to learn more about the fusion energy landscape – both globally and nationally, including the work CNL is tackling to enable fusion development and the unique facilities where this work is performed. Students also had a chance to meet numerous researchers connected with CNL’s broad portfolio in science and technology – from advanced reactors, advanced fuels and CANDU R&D to understanding space radiation risk for astronauts.
“The overall experience was a five out of five,” said Mercy Nandutu, Ontario Tech, MASc Nuclear Engineering student. “I loved how all the CNL staff were so enthusiastic about what they were sharing and so willing to engage with students. It made me feel that this is a great team to be part of.”
“The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) is very excited to partner with Brilliant Catalyst and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to launch the CNL Graduate Immersive Program,” said Pejman Mirza-Babaei, PhD, Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “This three-year initiative provides Ontario Tech graduate students with unique learning experiences supported by industry experts at CNL. Our partnership with CNL exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities for our students. We are keen to work with organizations to create tailored programs that address their specific needs and challenges. These collaborations not only enhance our students’ education but also contribute to the broader goals of our partners, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes and preparing our graduates to excel in their future careers.”
Coming this fall, up to 75 graduate students will participate in a one-day “Ideathon” to pursue out-of-the-box ideas and transforming them into actionable solutions related to fusion energy. Ideas address critical challenges at the intersection of science, technology and society as CNL looks to innovative solutions. Learn more at the CNL Graduate Immersive Ideathon Program website.
