Plasma Pathways Summer School Project Mentor

The WDTS RENEW Plasma Pathways Summer School (PPSS) is seeking graduate students to mentor a cohort of 15 high school students from Trenton CHS, Ewing High School, Hamilton West High School, Steinert High School, Nottingham High School, and Lawrence High School. The 4‑week program in July prepares students for internships by addressing gaps between high‑school course offerings and the skills/knowledge required for high‑level research at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).

The curriculum is largely project‑based and introduces PPPL’s research focuses, including fusion energy, microelectronics, and quantum information science.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences.

Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision.

• Provide consistent mentorship to student teams as they develop and execute a research‑based project.
• Work consistently with a student team on a research‑based project for the duration of the 4‑week program.
• Develop a research‑based project with student input that can be delivered within the timeframe of the Summer School.
• Help students develop their confidence, STEM identity, and sense of belonging.
• Expand access to PPPL internships.
• Share research experience, in‑depth knowledge of plasma physics, technical work, and personal life outside physics.
• Utilize expertise to teach coding, debugging, advanced math, 3D printing, and the use of AI/machine learning and laboratory techniques in fusion and plasma research.
• Attend 4–6 one‑hour planning meetings via conference call leading up to the Summer School (May‒June).
• Work as a team with the Master Teacher and other Graduate Student Instructors to develop curriculum.
• Assist participant groups in creating a final presentation.
• Provide availability every afternoon during the 4‑week period (July).

• Enrolled graduate student with access to PPPL.
• Teaching or tutoring experience.
• Research experience in plasma physics or related fields.
• Empathy and cultural competence.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to share research experience and personal life outside physics.
• Ability to teach coding, debugging, advanced math, 3D printing, AI/machine learning, and laboratory techniques.

• Princeton University graduate students must comply with the Graduate School's Employment Policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.