A Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) employee was recently selected to participate in the Weapon Intern Program (WIP) hosted by Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Luke Hamrick, a Reservoir Engineer with Savannah River Tritium Enterprise (SRTE), is the sole representative from the Savannah River Site (SRS) chosen for this prestigious, 11-month educational program focused on advancing nuclear weapon knowledge.

The annual program offers 24 participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of nuclear weapons from leading engineers and subject matter experts. Thecurriculum features classroom instruction covering a wide range of nuclear weapon topics, as well as visits to laboratories, plants and sites across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE). In addition, participants will complete class projects and presentations.

SRTE Reservoir Engineering Manager Todd Woodsmall plays a key role in coordinating the SRTE application and selection process. According to Woodsmall, the program has a strong reputation for supporting the professional growth and development of participants throughout the organization.

“Having engaged with numerous SRS participants both before and after their involvement in the program, as well as connecting with many others from across the complex, it is evident that this opportunity consistently elevates high performers. The program not only sharpens their skills but also increases their value and contribution to our shared mission.”

Hamrick, who begins the program in Sept., expressed his enthusiasm to collaborate with peers across the NSE on improving processes and addressing shared challenges.

“Being accepted into this program will allow me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the NSE as a whole and the role each site plays in supporting the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” said Hamrick. “I look forward to expanding my knowledge through this program, building meaningful relationships with colleagues from other sites and working together to find innovative solutions to common issues. By learning from the experiences and expertise of others, I hope to bring fresh perspectives and improvements back to SRS.” 

The WIP was created in 1998 to accelerate the learning process and transfer decades of knowledge and experience in all aspects of nuclear weapons. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 500 participants from multiple organizations, including the Department of Energy, the Department of War and the National Nuclear Security Administration.