NEWS

Manager and Operator of Savannah River National Laboratory Awards $125,000 to Central Savannah River Area Schools to Advance STEM Education

AIKEN, S.C. (Aug. 23, 2024) – Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) awarded $125,000 in SRNL K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education to Central Savannah River Area schools to advance activities and programs relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Grants of $2,500, or $5,000 were awarded to 30 teachers from 25 different schools within the Georgia counties of Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond, and in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield and Orangeburg, during a reception Aug. 22 at Newberry Hall in Aiken, South Carolina. The Battelle Foundation Fund at The Columbus Foundation provided funding for the grants, which will impact more than 6,500 students in the CSRA this year.

“At SRNL, we put science, engineering, technology and math to work every day, and we are committed to fostering the next generation of innovators and scientists,” said BSRA President and SRNL Laboratory Director Vahid Majidi. “These grants will empower educators to bring their visionary projects to life, igniting curiosity and passion in their students. This initiative is about inspiring young minds to explore, discover and ultimately lead the way in advancing science and technology of the future.”

An impartial panel of SRNL scientists, engineers and leaders judged each grant submission based on a K-12 Catalyst Grant Rubric with the following six categories:

– Clear description of the project

– Real-world application

– Connection to STEM curriculum

– Purpose and goals

– Budget description

– Sharing – how lessons will be shared

The names of teachers and schools were omitted from the selection process and the judges graded each project submission using only the rubric’s six categories.

The grants will fund myriad STEM-educated projects, including those relating to robotics, the environment, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3-D printing, radio electronic and satellite technology, astronomy, agriculture, biotechnology and civil engineering.

Central Savannah River Area schools receiving grants include:

• A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School $7,500

• Baker Place Elementary School $5,000

• Blue Ridge Elementary $5,000

• Brookdale Elementary School $5,000

• Burke County Middle School $5,000

• Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School $2,500

• Dearing Elementary School $5,000

• East Aiken School of the Arts $2,500

• Evans High School $5,000

• Evans Middle School $5,000

• Greenbrier Elementary School $5,000

• Greenbrier Middle School $5,000

• Greendale Elementary School $7,500

• Hammond Hill Elementary $5,000

• Harlem High School $5,000

• Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School $2,500

• JET Middle School $5,000

• Lake Forest Hills Elementary School $5,000

• McBean Elementary School $2,500

• Midland Valley High School (three individual teacher grants) $12,500

• Richmond Hill K-8 $5,000

• SC School for the Deaf and the Blind – Applied Academic Center $5,000

• T. Harry Garrett Elementary School $2,500

• Tall Pines STEM Academy $5,000

• Westside High School $5,000

The SRNL K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education is one portion of SRNL’s educational outreach efforts. In addition to the grants, SRNL offers:

• Behind the Science Virtual Tours – A Behind the Science Virtual Tour takes students on immersive adventures, exploring the scientific wonders and essential business functions of SRNL from the comfort of their own classroom seats. Students also have the opportunity to ask SRNL staff questions in a live Q&A session. Virtual tours are available for those in grades 6-12 from October through March.

• Nuclear Science and National Engineers Weeks – During Nuclear Science Week in October and National Engineers Week in February, exclusive STEM kits are available for teachers to delve into these fields. The STEM kits are designed to introduce students to nuclear science and engineering through interactive activities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of STEM. STEM kits are delivered to each participating schools and teachers.

• Interactive Classroom and Community Demonstrations – SRNL volunteers work closely with educators across the CSRA to deliver captivating interactive demonstrations and career conversations throughout the school year. These experts engage students with captivating experiments, leaving lasting memories and igniting students’ passion for learning.

To receive updates about SRNL educational outreach opportunities – virtual tours, STEM kits, interactive STEM demonstrations – visit https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7414269/SRNL-in-the-Classroom.

About BSRA and SRNL

Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company, manages and operates Savannah River National Laboratory for the Department of Energy. The BSRA board leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the five universities are joined in partnership with preferred subcontractors TechSource and Longenecker & Associates with the singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

Teachers in the Central Savannah River Area received 2024 BRSA SRNL K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education at a reception August 22, 2024, at Newberry Hall in Aiken, South Carolina.

Savannah River National Laboratory Family Scholarship Award Winners Announced

AIKEN, S.C. (May 6, 2024) – Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), awarded SRNL Family Scholarships of $3,000 to Kaylee McElwain, Grace Nuessle, Riley Nuessle, Elizabeth Farquhar and Sebastian Krementz.

SRNL Laboratory Director Dr. Vahid Majidi presented each scholarship recipient with a certificate of achievement and a $3,000 check during a ceremony held last Thursday at the Applied Research Center.

“The bright young minds of the students we honor here today will help shape tomorrow’s promising future,” said Vahid Majidi, SRNL laboratory director. “We are honored and privileged to recognize their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to each student and their parents.”

• Kaylee McElwain is the daughter of SRNL employee Brian McElwain. Kaylee will graduate from Aiken High School and plans to go to Clemson University’s Honors College to study health sciences.

• SRNL employee Cam Nuessle is the father of Grace and Riley Nuessle. Both Grace and Riley will graduate from South Aiken High School. Grace will study nursing at Lander University and Riley plans to study business management at the University of Montevallo.

• Elizabeth Farquhar is the daughter of SRNL employee Ethan Farquhar. Elizabeth is graduating from a homeschool program and will attend Covenant College to study history and psychology.

• Sebastian Krementz is the son of SRNL employee Dan Krementz. Sebastian is graduating from Alleluia Community School and plans to attend Augusta University.

SRNL Family Scholarships are awarded annually and are based on a student’s community involvement, leadership, scholastic assessment and achievement. A small and impartial committee of SRNL employees judges each scholarship application. No information identifying the applicants or their parents are presented to the committee to ensure impartiality. This year, 15 qualified applicants met all prerequisites of the program, and five scholarships were awarded.

About Battelle Savannah River Alliance

In June 2021, Savannah River National Laboratory transitioned to management and operations under Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company (www.battellesra.org). The BSRA leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the above five leading universities are joined in in partnership with Longenecker & Associates and TechSource Inc with a singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

About Savannah River National Laboratory

Savannah River National Laboratory is a United States Department of Energy multi-program research and development center that’s managed and operated by Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA) for the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management. SRNL puts science to work to protect the nation by providing practical, cost-effective solutions to the nation’s environmental, nuclear security, nuclear materials management, and energy manufacturing challenges (www.srnl.gov).

SRNL Family Scholarship Award Winners (from left to right): Elizabeth Farquhar, Kaylee McElwain, Sebastian Krementz, Riley Nuessle and Grace Nuessle.

Proposals Now Being Accepted for $125,000 in K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education

AIKEN, S.C. (Feb. 20, 2024) – Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, (BSRA) the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), announced the availability of $125,000 for its 2024 K-12 Catalyst Grants for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education.

One-time grants in the amount of $2,500 or $5,000 are available to educators to advance classroom activities and programs relating to STEM. Applicants must be a certified K-12 teacher or school administrator in public, charter, or independent STEM schools within the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Applications/proposals are being accepted now through May 31, 2024, and grants will be awarded in August 2024.

The online application, Q&As and other information about the K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education can be found at www.battellesra.org/catalyst.

Grant recipients will be selected by a diverse team of SRNL employees who will judge each proposal using a rubric scoring guide that includes the following measures:

• Clear Description of Proposed Curriculum or Activity
• Real-world Application
• Connection to STEM
• Purpose and Goals
• Budget Description
• Sharing of Lessons Learned

BSRA awarded $125,000 in STEM educational grants last year to 29 teachers at schools in the Georgia counties of Burke, Columbia Lexington and Richmond, and in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield and Orangeburg. The Battelle Foundation Fund at The Columbus Foundation provided funding for the grants, which impacted more than 6,200 students in the CSRA. To see an example of how a Catalyst Grant was used this past year, visit https://srns-corpcomm.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s4fcae897523e4155a18695483fabe304.

In June 2021, Savannah River National Laboratory (https://srnl.gov/) transitioned to management and operations under Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company (www.battellesra.org). The BSRA leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the above five leading universities are joined in in partnership with Longenecker & Associates and TechSource Inc with a singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

BSRA Awards $125,000 to Schools in the Central Savannah River Area to Advance STEM Education

AIKEN, S.C. (Aug. 23, 2022) – Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) awarded $125,000 in SRNL K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education to Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) schools to advance activities and programs relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Grants of $2,500, $5,000 or $7,500 were awarded to 29 teachers at schools in the Georgia counties of Burke, Columbia Lexington and Richmond, and in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield and Orangeburg, during a recent reception at Newberry Hall in Aiken, South Carolina. The Battelle Foundation Fund at The Columbus Foundation provided funding for the grants, which will impact more than 6,200 students in the CSRA this year.

“At SRNL, we put science, engineering, technology and math to work every day in providing solutions to complex problems facing our society,” said BSRA President and SRNL Laboratory Director Vahid Majidi. “We know the young people of today will provide solutions to the problems our world will face in the future. These grants will help provide a basic foundation and interest in STEM – critical to the future wellbeing of our society.”

The grants will fund myriad STEM-educated projects, including those relating to robotics, the environment, virtual reality, 3-D printing, radio electronic and satellite technology, astronomy, agriculture, biotechnology and civil engineering.

“Students’ engagement and awareness of careers and skills surrounding STEM will prepare my students for tomorrow’s world of STEM and cultivate life-long computer skills that students will need to be prepared for jobs in our technology-driven society,” said Jennifer McBride-Donaldson, STEM teacher at Richmond-Hill K-8 School. McBride-Donaldson’s grant will support her “Coding with Ozobot Robot” project at Richmond Hill, which allows students to design, invent and explore the world of programing and coding using robots.

At Lakeside Highschool in Columbia County, teacher Christopher Wyant will use the grant to acquire 3D scanners and printers for students to develop their own custom bicycle handlebars. “This grant means a lot to the students here at Lakeside High School,” said Wyant. “The addition of 3D scanners and 3D printers will allow students to use new additive manufacturing techniques to create customized, irregular products to solve real-world problems.”

Christie Palladino, a teacher at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center will use the grant for the project “Reach OUT for STEM: Integrating Equitable Laboratory Experiences.” The project seeks to educate students about the life sciences by outfitting a portable laboratory to enable an outreach curriculum of K-12 modules. The modules incorporate life sciences content, biotechnology applications, and mathematical principles in data analysis and/or modeling. “By providing STEM outreach labs, we are introducing students to biomedical career fields as well as building their laboratory skills,’ said Palladino. “The mobile lab kit that we will purchase with this grant will enable us to take cutting-edge science to students throughout the district, regardless of location or age.”

An impartial panel of SRNL scientists, engineers and leaders judged each grant submission based on a K-12 Catalyst Grant Rubric with the following six categories:

• Clear description of the project
• Real-world application
• Connection to STEM curriculum
• Purpose and goals
• Budget description
• Sharing – how lessons will be shared

The names of teachers and schools were omitted from the selection process and the judges graded each project submission using only the rubric’s six categories.

The SRNL K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education is one portion of SRNL’s educational outreach efforts. In addition to the grants, SRNL offers:

• Behind the Science Virtual Tours – A Behind the Science Virtual Tour takes students on immersive adventures, exploring the scientific wonders and essential business functions of SRNL from the comfort of their own classroom seats. Students also have the opportunity to ask SRNL staff questions in a live Q&A session. Virtual tours are available for those in grades 6-12 from October through March.
• Nuclear Science and National Engineers Weeks – During Nuclear Science Week in October and National Engineers Week in February, exclusive STEM kits are available for teachers to delve into these fields. The STEM kits are designed to introduce students to nuclear science and engineering through interactive activities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of STEM. STEM kits are delivered to each participating schools and teachers.
• Interactive Classroom and Community Demonstrations – SRNL volunteers work closely with educators across the CSRA to deliver captivating interactive demonstrations and career conversations throughout the school year. These experts engage students with captivating experiments, leaving lasting memories and igniting students’ passion for learning.

To receive updates about SRNL educational outreach opportunities – virtual tours, STEM kits, interactive STEM demonstrations – visit https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7414269/SRNL-in-the-Classroom.

About BSRA and SRNL

Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company, manages and operates Savannah River National Laboratory for the Department of Energy. The BSRA board leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the five universities are joined in partnership with preferred subcontractors TechSource and Longenecker & Associates with the singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance Provides $5,000 Grant to Greendale Elementary to Establish STEM Lab

AIKEN, S.C. (April 20, 2023) – Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), provided a $5,000 grant to Greendale Elementary School in New Ellenton, South Carolina, to help establish a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) lab.

The elementary school is currently pursuing permission to become an Experiential STEM+A (Arts) Magnet School. The grant will allow the school to begin its journey of becoming a magnet school by helping to create a STEM lab for its students. Students in each grade level would visit the lab as part of their cultural arts curriculum.

“The number of available careers in the STEM+A education grow each year. STEM+A education allows students the opportunity to improve their odds of success in any college program or profession,” said Greendale Elementary Principal Caroline Barker. “By providing students the opportunity to access high-quality, integrated curriculum and resources for experiential learning, we will provide an entryway into high-paying careers breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Barker.

Greendale Elementary services students in grades 4K-5th grade with a current enrollment of 304 students. Approximately 80% of its student population are from families with income below that of the poverty level.

According to Barker, the school’s goal is to develop problem-solving skills and critical-thinking mindsets by its students. Along with a strong literacy program, the STEM lab will be a critical component of an integrated and innovative STEM+A curriculum.

“BSRA and SRNL strive to be community partners in advancing STEM learning and opportunities for local students,” said Vahid Majidi, BSRA president and SRNL laboratory director. “We’re proud to partner with Greendale Elementary School in planting the seed for the next generation of scientists and innovators that will put science to work in providing solutions to problems facing our society in the future.”

In June 2021, Savannah River National Laboratory (https://srnl.doe.gov/) transitioned to management and operations under Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company (www.battellesra.org). The BSRA leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the above five leading universities are joined in in partnership with Longenecker & Associates and TechSource Inc with a singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

Proposals Now Being Accepted for $125,000 in K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education

AIKEN, S.C. (Feb. 22, 2023)—Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, the manager and operator of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), announced Wednesday the availability of $125,000 for its 2023 K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education.

One-time grants in the amount of $2,500 or $5,000 are available to educators to advance activities and programs relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in classrooms. Applicants must be a certified K-12 teacher or school administrator in public, charter, or independent STEM schools within the Central Savannah River Area. Applications/proposals are being accepted now through May 31, 2023, and grants will be awarded in August 2023.

BSRA awarded $125,000 in STEM educational grants to six local organizations in 2022:

• Barnwell County Consolidated School District, Williston School District, $10,000
• Public Education Partners, $10,000
• Dreams Imagination and Gift Development Program, $50,000
• Boys and Gils Clubs of Greater Augusta and Aiken, $22,500 each
• ABBE Region Library System, Barnwell County Library, $10,000

“Because of last year’s generous donation, Dreams Imagination & Gift Development Program (DIG) is able to continue to provide STEM education for rural growth and development,” said DIG Program Director Shelby Broomfield. “Last year’s grant allowed DIG to continue serving students through its after-school programming and our Annual DIG STEM Festival. It also provided the opportunity for DIG to open a second summer camp for 2023 in in Allendale, South Carolina. It is because of companies like SRNL/BSRA that we are able to serve the youth in our community, said Broomfield.”

According to Latrece Quattlebaum, K-12 literacy instructional specialist with Barnwell County Consolidated School District 48, last year’s grant helped scholars of Williston-Elko Middle School extend their understanding of content and concepts through hands-on activities, such as human body mapping and galaxy exploration. “Your donation has allowed the faculty, scholars and community of Williston to witness firsthand the powerful positive instructional benefits that are possible when supportive partnerships are established to meet student-centered needs,” Quattlebaum said.

To select grant recipients, a panel of former educators now working at SRNL, SRNL leadership and SRNL researchers will judge each proposal using a rubric scoring guide that includes the following measures:

• Clear Description of Proposed Curriculum or Activity
• Real-world Application
• Connection to STEM
• Purpose and Goals
• Budget Description
• Sharing of Lessons Learned

A hyperlink to the online application, Q&As and other information about the K-12 Catalyst Grants for STEM Education can be found at www.battellesra.org/catalyst.

In June 2021, Savannah River National Laboratory (https://srnl.doe.gov/) transitioned to management and operations under Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC (BSRA), a not-for-profit limited liability company (www.battellesra.org). The BSRA leadership includes Battelle Memorial Institute, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Battelle Memorial Institute and the above five leading universities are joined in in partnership with Longenecker & Associates and TechSource Inc with a singular purpose of maintaining SRNL as a best-in-class national laboratory.

Department of Energy Authorizes Battelle Savannah River Alliance to Begin Transition to Manage Savannah River National Laboratory

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Feb. 11, 2021)—The Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BRSA) team has received a Notice to Proceed with Transition after it was selected by the Department of Energy in December to manage one of the country’s premier environmental, energy, and national security research facilities—the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).

Employing approximately 1,000 people, SRNL conducts research and development for diverse federal agencies, providing practical, cost-effective solutions for the nation’s environmental, nuclear security, energy and manufacturing challenges. As the U. S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Environmental Management Laboratory, SRNL provides strategic scientific and technological support for the nation’s $6 billion per year waste clean-up program.

BSRA is led by and wholly-owned by Battelle, one of DOE’s leading laboratory management contractors.  The BSRA Team includes five regional universities—Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and University of South Carolina—as well as small business partners, Longenecker & Associates and TechSource.

The contract includes a five-year base with five, one-year options. The estimated value of the contract is $3.8 billion over the course of ten years if all options are exercised. BRSA will begin the 120-day transition period on Feb. 16.

Dr. Vahid Majidi, currently Executive Vice President and Director of SRNL for the incumbent contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, will serve as the Laboratory Director for BSRA.  Dr. Majidi is a decorated former member of the senior executive service and senior intelligence service with direct reporting responsibilities to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, U.S. Director of National Intelligence and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of chemistry, measurement science and technology, national and homeland security, science and technology policy, and nuclear nonproliferation. He holds a Ph.D in chemistry from Wayne State University and a B.A. in science and chemistry from Eastern Michigan University.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as leader of one of the nation’s leading research institutions, that is working at the forefront of science and technology to solve complex environmental challenges,” Majidi said. “I look forward to working closely with the DOE, the Savannah River Site contractors, our SRNL leadership team, laboratory staff and community members to carry out a seamless transition.”

Majidi noted that the lab has strong partnerships with the states of South Carolina and Georgia, especially in its engagement with communities on STEM education initiatives.

“BSRA and our university partnerships will allow us to expand on that interaction with our communities and ensure best-of-class STEM  education is shared with our community partners,” he said. Hear more from Majidi in this video.

“We’re both honored and excited to have this opportunity to be a part of a very bright future at SRNL,” said Mark Peters, Battelle’s Executive Vice President for Global Laboratory Operations. “BSRA’s approach will ensure the delivery of high impact science, technology and engineering solutions into the future through a significant expansion of SRNL’s core competencies and programs. Our team offers an exciting, compelling vision for the future of SRNL and provides DOE a leadership team and strategy that will deliver excellence in science and technology, operations, and community engagement.”

Battelle currently has a management role at seven DOE national labs including Pacific Northwest National Lab, Brookhaven National Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab, National Renewable Energy Lab, Idaho National Lab, Los Alamos National Lab and Lawrence Livermore National Lab. It also operates the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center for the Department of Homeland Security.

About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org, or contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or delaneyk@battelle.org.