09/19/2025
Spring 2026 graduate Beckett Sebolt is currently working at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) through the DOE’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program. The SULI program is a paid internship sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists. It is a unique opportunity for current undergraduate students and recent graduates to learn about science and technology careers, team science, and networking, and to gain the experience needed to transition from internship to employment. SULI interns work in one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities, and are mentored by scientists and engineers on research or technology projects that support the DOE mission and address critical challenges of importance to the nation.
Beckett was encouraged to apply for the program by his undergraduate mentor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Assistant Professor Jenée Cyran. Dr. Cyran participated in an internship at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the SULI program as an undergrad herself, and spoke very highly of the experience. With that endorsement, Beckett felt that SULI would be “a great opportunity to get a sense for what careers in research look like outside of academia.”
When asked if his application was successful because of the research he conducted with Dr. Cyran, he replied, “A lot of the essay prompts were geared towards previous research experience so it ended up becoming a significant part of the application. That being said, I don’t think having little to no research experience should deter anyone from applying. It seems like one of the more important aspects of the application is starting a dialogue with potential mentors and doing it early.”
Beckett’s placement with Argonne National Laboratory is in the Applied Materials Division (AMD), where he is working in the Tribology Laboratory. The Tribology Lab conducts research on advanced tribological systems (surface engineered materials, lubricants, fuels, and fuel/lubricant additives) for use in aggressive environments. Beckett is “working on the group’s Ultrafast Boriding (UFB) project. I’m currently trying to optimize some of the parameters for industrial application. However, I’m also looking into applying UFB to non-ferrous metals/alloys.” Compared to existing thermal treatment processes, ultrafast boriding provides much higher energy efficiency, productivity and near-zero emissions.
Beckett’s internship with the ANL will continue through December of this year. Beyond that, his plans are to apply to graduate programs or potentially continue to work at Argonne. His internship could potentially lead to him being able to get into a lab group there and continue with full-time employment.
Applications are open for the Spring 2026 term for the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program, and are due on October 1, 2025.
