Abigail Hogue, a mechanical engineering senior, has become the first student from the university to receive the University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Undergraduate Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This highly competitive scholarship, provided by the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, offers $10,000 to support students pursuing degrees in nuclear energy-related fields, helping cover tuition and academic expenses for the year.
(Submitted photo)
The scholarship holds particular significance for Hogue, who plans to pursue a career in energy-related research at a national laboratory. “It’s more than just the financial support — it’s knowing that the Department of Energy wants to support the work I proposed. As someone who hopes to work for a national lab, this feels incredibly validating,” she shared.
Her research interests focus on computational materials for nuclear energy applications, which she hopes to explore further in graduate school. Hogue plans to continue her studies at the University of Mississippi, working toward a master’s degree in materials science. Her long-term goal is to work in a national lab, possibly returning to Idaho, where she has previously interned at the Center for Space Nuclear Research, while also enjoying the close proximity to the region’s national parks.
The scholarship application process was rigorous, involving personal statements, recommendation letters, and significant support from her advisor, Dr. Samrat Choudhury. “Dr. Choudhury encouraged me to apply and worked with me throughout the process. I started participating in research with him after my sophomore year, and his guidance has been invaluable, from building a strong resume to revising multiple drafts of my essay,” Hogue said.
“Abby is one of our rare undergraduate students who wants to pursue her long-term career in a federally funded laboratory,” Choudhury remarked. “In particular, she plans to apply machine learning tools to design nuclear materials and to optimize the operation of nuclear reactors, making nuclear energy potentially safer and more economical. I am confident Abby will be successful in her efforts. She shows exceptional promise to be a future leader in science and engineering.”
For Hogue, receiving the UNLP scholarship is not only a personal achievement but also a point of pride as a student from an SEC school. “A lot of people may not think of Mississippi as a place that encourages STEM work, but we have excellent programs here. This scholarship is a way to showcase the strong education and research happening at the University of Mississippi and in the state.”
Hogue encourages others to apply for the UNLP scholarship, emphasizing the value of the process: “Even if you don’t get it, advocating for your research is a valuable skill. And if you do, it opens opportunities, looks great on a resume, and provides essential funding.”