Kentucky State University announced on May 4 that thirty students, faculty, and staff visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee for an educational tour focused on advanced scientific research and technology. The visit took place March 24-25 and included facility tours, presentations from scientists, and information about research opportunities.
The event aimed to give participants direct exposure to national laboratory environments tied to supercomputing, neutron science, advanced manufacturing, and transportation innovation. Organizers said the trip was designed to help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications in science and engineering fields.
During the visit, participants toured the Frontier supercomputer at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility. Zhakeya Hawkins, an undergraduate computer science major, said: “I made sure to sit in the front row because I wanted to take in as much as I could. The education and outreach team was outstanding. It was exciting to learn about Frontier, exascale computing, and how these systems help solve complex problems so efficiently.”
The group also visited the Spallation Neutron Source facility where Ariana Billings, an undergraduate biology major, said: “My trip to ORNL was very informative. I especially enjoyed the Spallation Neutron Source and our tour guide. Learning how neutron scattering is used to study materials at the atomic level, and hearing about the wide range of samples researchers have analyzed, was fascinating.”
Other stops included demonstrations of large-scale 3D printing technologies at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility as well as research related to autonomous vehicles at the National Transportation Research Center. Malik Thompson, a graduate student in computer science who has previously interned at a federal lab said: “This was a very immersive learning experience. We were able to see cutting-edge technology and learn how advanced systems are used not only to create products but also to transform the way research is conducted.”
Faculty member Dr. Dharma Khatiwada described his impressions: “My visit…particularly [to] Frontier supercomputer and Spallation Neutron Source…was highly informative…I gained valuable insight into rigorous safety protocols…There are also many research opportunities available for undergraduate students…” Staff member Cora Teets added: “Exposure to world-renowned research facilities…was incredibly inspiring…Our students and faculty learned so much through engagement with researchers…”
Dr. Buddhi Gyawali led Kentucky State’s participation through its Center for Geospatial Intelligence & Environmental Security Lab; he said experiences like this motivate students toward internships or STEM careers by connecting them with applied scientific work beyond campus.
Oak Ridge representatives shared details about upcoming programs including a Summer 2026 Virtual Hands-On High Performance Computing Crash Course as well as various internship opportunities for undergraduates.
The visit received primary support from U.S Department of Energy grants along with funding from National Science Foundation projects directed by Dr. Gyawali.
