Savannah River National Laboratory and the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) have agreed to create a Collegiate Affiliate Program providing opportunities for retired laboratory professionals to enhance student learning experiences.

Dr. Vahid Majidi, Laboratory Director, SRNL, and USC Aiken Chancellor Dr. Sandra J. Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding Sept. 4 at USC Aiken to establish the program.

The USCA/SRNL Collegiate Affiliate Program provides two ways for retired SRNL professionals to collaborate with USC Aiken faculty, staff, students and community. The Faculty Affiliate option allows qualified lab retirees to teach college-level courses or laboratories.

The University Affiliate option provides a range of opportunities for retirees to mentor young scientists, act as career counselors to science majors, connect students with internships, provide guest lectures in classes, assist with Ruth Patrick Science Education Center programs, and more.

“We have a long history of collaborating with USC Aiken to strengthen the science and technology education at the university and expand the opportunities for students who may find future employment at our lab,” Majidi said. “We have a number of lab alumni whose expertise can be a valuable resource for the university, and we look forward to seeing this turn into an opportunity that strengthens STEM education at USC Aiken.”

“This exciting partnership is another way to leverage the talents and knowledge of SRNL employees to augment and complement our work at USC Aiken,” Jordan said. “The program will bring retired SRNL scientists and engineers to our campus to enrich the educational opportunities of students.”

The USCA/SRNL Collegiate Affiliate Program is being started with a $105,000 grant from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), LLC, which manages Savannah River National Laboratory. SRNS is a Fluor-led company with Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, and is responsible for the management and operation of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site.

Part of the funding will be used to renovate space in USC Aiken’s Gregg-Graniteville Library to serve as an office for the participants. The funds will also be used to establish a training workshop and help provide salaries for Faculty Affiliate participants teaching courses, as well as general management and marketing support for the program.