CMI Intern hired at CMI Partner Principal Mineral

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation 
Melanie S. Guerrero, former CMI Intern at Ames National Laboratory, has moved into a new role at Principal Mineral.

Achievement

  • As an intern, Melanie was focused on rare earth metallization using the REMAFS fluoride salts approach licensed by Principal Mineral and supported studies improving domestic rare earth metal production and safer synthesis routes.
  • She has successfully accepted a position with Principal Minerals (Camden, SC) as a Process Engineer.

Significance and Impact
Developed a strong interest and skill set in critical materials research and continued pursuing this work with a CMI industrial partner.

Hub Target Addressed 
Critical Materials Workforce Development

Melanie S. Guerrero (FA2 CMI Summer Intern, left) and Kevin Stoll (CMR, right) at the Critical Materials Recycling facility in Boone (IA) during the CMI Summer Internship tour in August 2025.
Melanie S. Guerrero (FA2 CMI Summer Intern, left) and Kevin Stoll (CMR, right) at the Critical Materials Recycling facility in Boone (IA) during the CMI Summer Internship tour in August 2025.