Senior chemistry major Beckett Sebolt is currently working at Argonne National Laboratory through the Department of Energy’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program. This paid internship 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. Interns work in one of 17 participating Department of Energy laboratories/facilities and are mentored by scientists and engineers on research or technology projects that support the department’s mission and address critical challenges of importance to the nation.
Sebolt was encouraged to apply for the program by his undergraduate mentor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Assistant Professor Jenée Cyran. Cyran participated in an internship at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the program as an undergrad herself and spoke very highly of the experience. With that endorsement, Sebolt felt that the internship program 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 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, 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 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,” he said. Compared to existing thermal treatment processes, ultrafast boriding provides much higher energy efficiency, productivity and near-zero emissions.
Beckett’s internship with the Argonne National Laboratory will continue through December of 2025. 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.