Every year, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) Education
Outreach Programs (EOP) host the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Regional Science
Bowl Competition, bringing together brilliant young minds for a fast-paced challenge. What began as a
student competition has evolved into a significant talent pipeline, shaping the next generation of
scientists and engineers. Some of today’s newest hires at the Savannah River Site (SRS) once
competed in these very events and are now giving back as volunteers.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Fire Protection Engineer Parth Patel, second from right, volunteers as timekeeper during the
2025 Department of Energy Savannah River Regional Science Bowl Competition. Also pictured, from left: Volunteers Caroline
Robins, Maria Kriz, Betsy Booth and Stephanie Craig.
“The journey from student participant to professional mentor exemplifies the profound impact of our
education outreach initiatives,” said Cindy Hewitt, SRNS Education Outreach Specialist. “We’ve found
that several of our newest hires can trace their career paths back to this very event they now help
facilitate. We don’t just want to hire the best engineers and STEM [science, technology, engineering and
math] leaders— we want to help create them by planting those seeds early.”
Each team, comprised of five students and one coach, compete in a fast-paced question-and-answer
format similar to the television show “Jeopardy!” The questions span across various academic disciplines
including biology, chemistry, Earth science, space science, physics, energy and math.
Recently hired SRNS Engineers Parth Patel, Sarah
Bass and Braden Lewis embody this full-circle
narrative through their involvement in Science Bowl.
“It was a defining moment for me,
” said Patel, a Fire
Protection Design Authority Engineer at SRS who
competed in the Science Bowl as a high school
junior at Westside High in Augusta, Georgia. “The
energy of the competition and the celebration of
STEM made me realize I wanted a career with that
same excitement. My teacher, Ms. Potter, introduced
me to the competition and fostered my passion. I will
always remember the clickers and how my heart
raced with every question.”
SRS is one of only three DOE sites to participate annually at the regional level since DOE created the
National Science Bowl in 1991. Each year, volunteers from multiple site contractors, including judges,
scorekeepers, moderators, and timekeepers, make the regional tournament possible. The winning team
earns a spot in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl, one of the nation’s most
prestigious competitions.
"Volunteering is a wonderful way to step out of your daily routine and connect with students on a different
level," continued Patel. "I hope students recognize the impact STEM can have on their careers, from
solving complex problems to real-world applications. This knowledge is a valuable asset."
For many student competitors, the event offers a first glimpse into real-world STEM careers and provides
an initial connection with the SRS professionals who support them.
Bass, who joined the Site in 2024, recognized the value of competitive academic programs and initiated
the Science Bowl at Greenbrier High School during her junior year.
"I loved volunteering for this competition and watching each team gain confidence as the event
progressed. It was rewarding to witness the small victories when a team buzzed in first or correctly
answered a toss-up question. Seeing their coaches silently celebrating behind them was heartwarming,"
said Bass. "These competitive events provide opportunities for students to connect with like-minded
peers from different schools while engaging in subjects they enjoy."
Beyond the excitement of the competition, Science Bowl supports SRNS’ long-term workforce
development strategy. With the recent transition of Site management from Environmental Management
Patel competed in the Science Bowl as a high school junior
at Westside High School in Augusta, Georgia.
to the National Nuclear Security Administration, SRS aims to hire 9,000 additional recruits over the next
five years. By introducing students to STEM pathways early, SRNS strengthens its recruitment pipeline
and fosters future talent organically.
Lewis, an associate engineer hired in March 2025, built his Science Bowl team at Greenbrier from the
ground up, progressing from B to A team and mentoring new members.
“My experience culminated in a third-place finish in my junior year,” said Lewis. “Science Bowl provided
an outlet for my passion for STEM and helped me realize my strengths in math and physics, ultimately
leading to a career in mechanical engineering. As an SRNS employee, I'm excited to volunteer next year
and inspire future scientists and engineers. These programs had a significant impact on me, and I want
to pass those experiences on to the next generation.”
SRNS Associate Engineer Braden Lewis, second from right, competed in the 2020 DOE Savannah River Regional Science
Bowl Competition for Greenbrier High School, where his team placed third.
“The intense competition required me to think quickly and respond confidently,” continued Lewis. “It
wasn't always easy with dozens of people watching, but it was the highlight of my high school experience.
The best advice I can give students is to find what you're passionate about and pursue it. Never stop
asking questions and keep learning.”
SRNS intends to further expand its student outreach efforts through additional EOP initiatives and
partnerships with local schools in the Central Savannah River Area.
“Programs like Science Bowl are not just good community service— they’re good business,” said Kim
Mitchell, SRNS Education Outreach Lead. “We are building relationships that begin in elementary school
and continue into fulfilling careers at SRS. This strategy is incredibly powerful for retention, culture and
innovation. By investing in these programs, we are not only securing the future of our company but also
contributing to the advancement of STEM education as a whole.”