PNNL, WSU Join to Address Research Challenges

(May 2017)

Washington State University and the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are excited to announce the first group of students selected for the new PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program.

The program adds a new dimension to WSU and PNNL's long-standing partnership, which includes joint faculty appointments and research projects. The program is available to students who have been accepted into a WSU graduate program and are primarily pursuing research related to clean energy, smart manufacturing, sustainability, national security, or biotechnology.

Engaging graduate students with the talented energy, environment, national security and fundamental science researchers at our institutions will increase the scientific and research capacity in our region," said Chris Keane, vice president for research at WSU.

The first cohort was selected from current WSU graduate students nominated by WSU faculty and PNNL researchers. The 12 selected students are

• Jenny Voss
• Nadia Panossian
• Ernesto Martinez-Baez
• Priyanka Ghosh
• Christina Louie
• Justine Missik
• Xu Liu
• Stephan Taylor
• Trent Graham
• Isaac Johnson
• Austin Winkelman
• Anthony Krysko

The students will complete their coursework at WSU, and collaborate with nationally-recognized PNNL scientists on their thesis projects. Students receive a stipend and benefits, and will be guided in their research by a prestigious graduate committee.

"The Distinguished Graduate Research program will deepen the partnership between PNNL and WSU while at the same time introducing students to research opportunities at the National Laboratories," said PNNL's Deputy Director for Science and Technology, Malin Young. "Our scientists and engineers look forward to collaborating with colleagues at WSU to provide these students with a valuable educational experience that will lay a strong foundation for their future research careers."

The first cohort will start in fall of 2017. A new cohort will be selected every year. Students who apply to graduate school at WSU can indicate they are interested in the research program. Once accepted to WSU, a faculty member or PNNL researcher will recommend a student for the program.

"Interdisciplinary and interinstitutional research is a driver of innovation in higher education," said Bill Andrefsky, Dean of the Graduate School. "WSU is proud to partner with a world class national laboratory today, to train the top researchers of tomorrow."

Students will be mentored by PNNL scientists Gregory Schenter, Carolyn Pearce, Kevin Rosso, and Yong Wang.

Learn more here: https://gradschool.wsu.edu/pnnl/