Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Intern studies critical materials and environmental impacts

A culture of Haliscomenobacter hydrossis, an organism found in wastewater treatment facilities.
A culture of Haliscomenobacter hydrossis, an organism found in wastewater treatment facilities.

CMI researchers from Idaho National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Achievement

  • Rumeysa Gurler, a student at Cal State Fullerton, conducted research at Idaho National Lab on the impacts of critical material recovery processes on environmental systems. She was the first Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) intern at INL; MLEF’s mission is “to strengthen a diverse pipeline of future STEM professionals.”
  • Rumeysa learned about critical materials, and methods for monitoring microbial growth. She gave a presentation on her work to CMI team members and other INL colleagues.

Significance and Impact

  • Supports diversification of our future STEM workforce
  • Increases public awareness about the importance of environmentally responsible critical materials production

Hub Target Addressed 

  • Assessing economic, environmental, and social acceptance impacts
  • Training the critical materials workforce of the future
     
person head and shoulders, with trees in background: Rumeysa Gurler, taking the opportunity to explore the local region.
Rumeysa Gurler, taking the opportunity to explore the local region.