Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy visits Fort Valley State University

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, Christopher Smith stopped by Fort Valley State University Wednesday afternoon and spoke to students who are part of the Cooperative Developmental Program.

He talked about the different opportunities that are available for those pursuing science, technology, energy and math degrees.

Smith explained how the students can apply for the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program, which will allow them to develop research skills for ten weeks over the summer.

“It’s really an opportunity for folks who are early in their career to not only get some subject matter expertise you know sitting next to the real experts, but also to get some experience of what it means to work in a real working laboratory,” Smith continues.

Smith said this will create opportunities for underserved minorities involved in the stem field.

Students selected for the program will train with Department of Energy scientists and engineers and conduct research projects.