Idaho National Laboratory and BYU now have a five-year formal agreement of collaboration.
As the leading center for nuclear research and development, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is full of incredible opportunities for engineering students.
INL and BYU recently finalized a memorandum of understanding—a non-legally binding contract to work together. This contract streamlines funding, communication, publications, and research.
"It's an agreement to make you more part of the family," said Dr. Larry Baxter, a chemical engineering professor.
Baxter, along with other faculty members, already had existing relationships with the employees at INL. He explained that this contract will open opportunities for internships in addition to research.
The agreement, also known as a SUPER agreement, is a Strategic Understanding for Premier Education & Research specifically for INL. Other schools who have a SUPER agreement are Idaho State University, Arizona State University, Colorado School of Mines, Texas A&M, University of Texas- San Antonio, University of Michigan, University of Utah, and University of Tennessee- Knoxville.
As the nation's center for nuclear energy research and development, INL works in the Department of Energy's goal areas—energy, national security, science, and the environment.
Dr. Larry Baxter of chemical engineering expressed his excitement for the new arrangement.
"Idaho [National Laboratory] is a fantastic place, and it's it's just great opportunity for us to have our students be able to be exposed to the quality of work and the quality of people that they have up there," Baxter said.