NNSA’s Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program & NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program success stories: Meagan Roberts

NNSA’s Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (MSIIP) and Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) provide opportunities for students and recent graduates to support the mission of NNSA. Combined, they have over a thousand alumni who supported non-proliferation, national security, and the peaceful use of nuclear technologies across the Nuclear Security Enterprise! Both programs are incredibly competitive, making participation in both an exceptional accomplishment. Today we highlight the career journey of Meagan Roberts (MSIIP Class of 2023-2024, and current participant in the NGFP Class of 2024-2025).

1. How has MSIIP and NGFP contributed to your career success in the nuclear security enterprise/career? 

“Before my start in the MSIIP program, I had absolutely no background in or knowledge about nuclear security. I was matched with the Office of Nuclear Incident Policy and Cooperation, based off my educational background in public health and policy. Fortunately, the leadership in my office made sure to invest in me and educate me on the vast subject matter. With the support from my office and the program, I grew my understanding of the broad scope of nuclear security through hands-on experiences with my mentors and colleagues, educational trainings and exercise seminars, encouragement to attend enterprise meetings, reading and researching office documents, discussions with affiliated partners and connecting with the leadership around the enterprise.”  

2. In what ways did the combination of the internship and the fellowship programs prepare you for the challenges you face in your current position within the nuclear security enterprise? 

 “My experiences from the MSIIP and NGFP programs have given me a greater outlook on my lifestyle, career aspirations, and professional connections. Most importantly, the program allowed me to understand how interconnected NNSA programs, mission, and leadership are with one another within the enterprise. Through their work, I see the importance of policy and awareness, as those ideals are essential to how each section operates to reach their goals.” 

3.  How did the mentorship and networking opportunities provided by the programs impact your professional development? 

 “The mentorship and networking opportunities provided me a chance to interact with different individuals within the enterprise and learn about their personalities, values, and professional backgrounds. I had many insightful conversations which made me happy to be surrounded by many intelligent and goal-oriented individuals. The program provided a great sense of inclusion, even for those whose background is not necessarily aligned within the field of nuclear security or STEM.” 

NGFP and MSIIP are premier channels to develop top talent for our nation’s critical security missions, offering opportunities with the NNSA, national laboratories, and site offices. Both programs are open to students from all academic backgrounds. Applications for the NGFP Class of 2025-2026 open August 1^st, with the post-bachelor’s fellowship component being offered for the first time. Applications for the MSIIP Class of 2025-2026 also open August 1^st, available for students attending Minority Serving Institutions. Learn more about how you can take advantage of these opportunities by visiting:  

NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program: https://www.pnnl.gov/apply-ngfp 

NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/