One of the Trident laser’s target chambers, where ultra-short pulses create high-energy-density plasmas as well as monoenergetic ion pulses for cancer research applications (courtesy Los Alamos National Laboratory).

This 12-week experience gives fellows an exceptional opportunity to work in a DOE national laboratory with some of the world's most respected scientists. Fellows use the time to learn new skills and expand their research capabilities beyond their thesis study areas. It also gives them insights into how their scientific interests advance research critical to the nation.

Fellows complete at least one practicum, usually over the summer during their first two years in the program. They can go to any of the four national defense laboratory sites:

  • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, Calif.
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.
  • Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, Calif.
  • Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M.

Each site designates a staff member as a practicum coordinator to help fellows find a practicum host and address questions throughout the experience.

The program reimburses fellows’ travel costs to practicum sites and provides an additional allowance to cover extra expenses.

Fellows may ask to participate in an optional second practicum to work on an engaging research project at a different DOE laboratory.