SRNL Inaugural Partnership with University of Georgia Research Institute Scholars Program
Savannah River National Laboratory’s International Trade Analysis and Policy Support group hosted its first University of Georgia Research Institute (UGARI) Scholar, Kaley Walker. The UGARI Scholar Mentorship program allows University of Georgia (UGA) students to work alongside SRNL personnel and utilize SRNL’s unique capabilities and instrumentation to further their academic research. Walker, pursuing a master’s in international policy, expressed how the program enriched her education by equipping her with tactical skills necessary for success in a foreign policy career.
“Anytime students can engage with SRNL personnel it strengthens our culture of mentorship and helps us (SRNL) build relationships with the next generation,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, Innovation and University Engagement Office Director.
For nine months Walker worked alongside Lauren Jackson, deputy program manager for the Export Control Review, Compliance, and Interdiction (ECRCI) program, to learn about export controls, intelligence and foreign policy. “Lauren’s career has spanned across many fields, and I appreciated her insight as I refined my skills in the export controls space,” said Walker. “This program has opened doors and given me the foundational knowledge needed to conduct open-source intelligence research and policy support on strategic trade control issues.”
UGARI Scholar Kaley Walker presenting her project to SRNL staff. (Photo: LJ Gay, SRNS)
At the conclusion of Walker’s program she presented her project titled, “India as an Emerging Supplier in the Opioid Epidemic,” which outlines policy recommendations for the U.S. to engage India on regulations targeting fentanyl trafficking. She leveraged this experience to secure a National Nuclear Security Administration Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP) position supporting the ECRCI program and looks forward to continued collaboration with the SRNL ECRCI team.
“This successful collaboration benefited not only Kaley but also Global Security Directorate. Her research will be used to inform other projects and help foster a relationship with our ECRCI team and University of Georgia’s center for International Trade and Security,” said Jackson.
SRNL’s and UGA’s partnership focuses on addressing issues, supporting and involving future professionals, as well as speeding up the implementation of new technology. This collaboration enables UGA’s faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students to work alongside SRNL researchers and utilize their resources to pursue practical, science-based solutions to tackle some of the nation’s toughest challenges. The International Trade Analysis and Policy Support group is preparing for another UGARI mentorship this Fall.
Lauren Jackson and Kaley Walker. (Photo: LJ Gay, SRNS)