NSF Research Traineeship Program Overview

The EmPOWERment NRT offers PhD students at Ohio State the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary training in energy-system modeling, data science, energy policy, business, legal, social-behavioral issues, and energy technologies to address the challenges facing a sustainable energy future.

As an EmPOWERment trainee, you will be immersed in coursework, research, experiential-learning opportunities, and a student community of like-minded individuals; opportunities designed to introduce you to the unique challenges facing the advancement toward a sustainable energy future. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of every facet of the sustainable energy landscape through a unique interdisciplinary experience which combines research, education, and communication training. Working together with faculty, industry mentors, and fellow trainees, EmPOWERment students prepare to become the next generation of innovative leaders in sustainable energy. Students completing a PhD program at Ohio State in any energy-related field can apply to supplement their studies with an EmPOWERment NSF Research Traineeship.

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Competitive Fellowships
Several one-year fellowships that provide full funding for the trainees second year in the program are awarded each year to outstanding EmPOWERment trainees to support their PhD studies and participation in the program.
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Coursework
Students will be immersed in coursework that provides a crosscutting, interdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy systems. Students will receive formal recognition on their transcripts after the completion of the curriculum.
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Bootcamp
Upon entering the program, trainees will participate in a two-week intensive bootcamp that will introduce them to a sustainable energy challenge and allow them an opportunity to work in small teams to explore the problem.
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Annual Research Expo
A day-long research exposition held each year in the spring semester that offers trainees an opportunity to present their research during a poster session and competition.
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group of diverse students sitting at SCOPE in Page Hall listening to a speaker
Energy SCOPE
Trainees are expected to participate in bi-monthly gatherings of the Sustainable Energy Student Community of Practice and Engagement (SCOPE).
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Mentoring & Advising
Trainees receive comprehensive support and active mentoring throughout their graduate studies. Students also have access to one-on-one advising throughout their participation in the program.

EmPOWERment trainees develop graduate-level interdisciplinary-research skills and learn to undertake transformative projects that solve sustainable energy challenges by leveraging the proliferation of ubiquitous sensing and control technologies to advance energy-technology innovation. The program is designed for students to have distinctive experiences and to prepare them to thrive in a variety of career pathways through experiential learning, coaching, and communication-oriented collaborative activities.

Expected Learning Outcomes
https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0JPcvjxYdtyqDEa
2024 EmPOWERment Applications
EmPOWERment Application
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Benefits to Students

  • Augments graduate education through interdisciplinary training
  • Helps students build their professional network prior to graduation
  • Develops important professional and communication skills 
  • Provides broad interdisciplinary training for future energy careers
  • Program was developed to meet future employer needs
  • Prepares students for both academic and non-academic careers