Big Ideas Lab: Interns at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Hosted by Mission.org
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Interns" of the Big Ideas Lab podcast, Mission.org takes listeners on an immersive journey inside the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This episode delves into the invaluable experiences of interns at one of the world's most advanced scientific institutions. Through engaging narratives and firsthand accounts, the podcast highlights how LLNL fosters the next generation of scientists and engineers, emphasizing mentorship, hands-on projects, and the cultivation of curiosity.
First Impressions: The Intern Experience
The episode opens with a vivid description of an intern's first day at LLNL. The Narrator sets the scene in a high-tech environment filled with the legacy of scientific giants like Edward Teller and John Knuckles. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and trepidation as new interns navigate through state-of-the-art facilities and iconic portraits.
"It's your first day as an intern, and although you're physically in the right place, your brain is wondering what you're actually doing here." [00:07]
Despite initial nerves, interns quickly immerse themselves in meaningful work, contributing to significant projects such as fusion simulations and laser experiments. This transition from apprehension to active participation underscores LLNL's commitment to integrating interns into critical scientific endeavors from day one.
Securing a Fellowship: Jaya Sicard's Journey
One standout intern featured is Jaya Sicard, whose background in physics and passion for fusion research drew her to LLNL. Jaya secured her position through a fellowship with the Livermore Lab Foundation, enabling her to undertake a paid, full-time internship that provided both professional development and networking opportunities.
"It was a few things that made me choose Lawrence Livermore. So the first, we saw a lot of exciting news about fusion breakthrough at the lab. And so instantly I was really Captured by the idea of being able to be a part of a place where such cool, groundbreaking research is happening." [03:41]
Jaya's internship was exceptional, allowing her to travel to France for five weeks to participate in an actual experiment—an opportunity far beyond the typical intern experience.
"They allowed me to be a part of an experiment. It was five weeks, so super long experiment. And it was also happening abroad. So I got to go to France for that time." [04:46]
The Scholar Program: Beyond Traditional Internships
Jared Farmer, the Scholar Program Manager at LLNL, elucidates the lab's unique approach to internships. Unlike conventional programs where interns might handle menial tasks, LLNL seeks the brightest minds to tackle substantial scientific and technological challenges.
"We're not just hiring interns to do any sort of grunt work and the things that we don't want to do, we're hiring interns because we have a tremendous amount of work to accomplish and we need the best and the brightest to come here and assist us with that." [05:11]
The internship program aligns students' interests with the lab’s mission across diverse fields such as national security, fusion, energy, and advanced manufacturing—all while offering paid positions.
"The mission of LL&L's internship program is to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and professional. What we want to do is provide them hands on experience in cutting edge research and development." [05:50]
Practical Responsibilities and High-Stakes Projects
Interns at LLNL are entrusted with significant responsibilities. Jaya Sicard exemplifies this by working on both computational simulations and hands-on experiments at the Jupiter laser facility, which employs ultra-intense lasers to replicate extreme terrestrial conditions.
"I get to work with a lot of fast ignition problems, which is like an alternative approach to inertial confinement fusion. I was really fortunate that that summer I had a very balanced internship in the sense that I was able to do a lot of simulations and coding, but also allowed me to participate in an experiment that was happening at the Jupiter laser facility." [07:32]
This dual exposure allows interns to explore different facets of their fields, helping them determine their career paths—whether they lean towards experimental work or computational analysis.
"So I was crawling around in target chambers using different diagnostics and things like that. So that was really valuable to me, figuring out if I wanted to be an experimentalist or a computationalist, because I got to experience both." [08:02]
Cultivating a Supportive Environment
A pivotal aspect of LLNL's internship program is its nurturing environment, spearheaded by mentors like Monica Moya, a group leader in the materials engineering division. Monica emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating connections within the lab.
"I mentor students for the projects that I run, but also help with making connections with other folks in the group. And some of these folks came into our group because they were interns themselves, too." [09:04]
Monica's team focuses on the intersection of biology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, engaging interns in projects that blend high-tech tools with meaningful human impact.
"When you're trying to design biology, you have the added challenge of things have to be kept alive in the process that you're working with, or they have to be compatible with life. It's just kind of exciting to see that you can manipulate an environment and something happens." [09:47]
Personal Growth and Discovery
Internships at LLNL are not just about contributing to current projects but also about personal and professional growth. Monica shares her own journey and the importance of mentorship in her development.
"I am the daughter of two immigrants that came to this country... I got to where I am because I had a lot of really good mentors along the way, and I had people that gave me opportunities that let me ask all the dumb questions." [12:09]
This ethos of mentorship extends to all interns, fostering a culture where asking questions and exploring diverse interests are encouraged, leading to unexpected scientific and personal discoveries.
"I loved my internship because I've got to explore things that I didn't even realize I had an interest in." [13:17]
Long-Term Impact: From Interns to Mentors
The success stories of former interns like Jonathan Toledo, Maria Martinez, and Paige Jones illustrate the lasting impact of LLNL's internship program. These individuals have transitioned into full-time roles and continue to give back by mentoring new interns, perpetuating the cycle of growth and innovation.
"They've become what Monica was talking about. Mentors who make time, who let people ask questions, who see potential and nurture it." [13:23]
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Science
The episode concludes by emphasizing that LLNL's greatest achievement lies in nurturing curious minds capable of groundbreaking scientific discoveries. By providing hands-on experience, robust mentorship, and involvement in pivotal projects, LLNL ensures the continuation of its legacy of innovation and excellence.
"The future of American Science. The next fusion breakthrough. The solution to challenges we haven't even identified yet. It's walking through Lawrence Livermore's doors right now, probably wondering what they're actually doing there. And that's exactly how it should be." [13:23]
Final Thoughts
Big Ideas Lab paints a comprehensive picture of the transformative internship experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. By highlighting individual stories, program structures, and the supportive culture, the episode underscores how LLNL is effectively cultivating the next generation of scientific pioneers poised to tackle future challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- LLNL's internship program offers meaningful, paid positions that engage interns in critical scientific projects.
- Mentorship and a supportive environment are central to the program’s success, fostering both professional growth and personal discovery.
- Former interns often become mentors, ensuring the continuity of knowledge and innovation within the lab.
- The program not only contributes to current scientific endeavors but also invests in the future of American science and technology.
Notable Quotes:
- "We're not just hiring interns to do any sort of grunt work... we're hiring interns because we have a tremendous amount of work to accomplish." – Jared Farmer [05:11]
- "They want you to learn. So it's not as scary as it first seems." – Jaya Sicard [08:33]
- "I know that, without a doubt, I would not be where I am today if I didn't have people that allowed me to ask the dumb questions." – Monica Moya [12:09]
For More Information: To explore internship opportunities or learn more about Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, visit LLNL’s Official Website.