Entergy Supports Science Professors in Their Quest for Student Success

Conclusion > Entergy Supports STEM Professors to Help Students Achieve Future Success

07.02.2024

Entergy recently welcomed six new faculty members from partner universities to its Entergy Faculty Extern Program in our service area of ​​Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The program offers STEM educators – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – networking opportunities, facility tours, job shadowing and field experiences to deepen their understanding of energy careers and better prepare their students.

Our internship program, originally established in 2019, was suspended due to the pandemic. It will be revived in 2023 with expanded offerings to include non-nuclear business functions such as reliability and the reliability control center, providing faculty with insight into different aspects of the industry.

“The program is acting as a transformational factor in how we should look at education. It’s not just about burdening them (students) with theory and knowledge, but also emphasizing how important interpersonal and communication skills are,” said Dr. Erol Sarigul, assistant professor, department of advanced technology, Alcorn State University.

The 2024 program began with an orientation in Jackson, Mississippi, followed by on-site job shadowing in participants’ service areas. Faculty interns gained valuable industry knowledge that allowed them to inspire students and serve as Entergy brand ambassadors in their communities. Since the program’s relaunch, participants have praised the program for increasing their ability to connect theory with practice and improving student employability through relevant, hands-on learning experiences.

“Faculty interns received an in-depth, inside look at the important work we do every day at Entergy. Entergy experts and leaders shared their time, talents and knowledge with the faculty interns. As a result, these interns will bring new examples to their classrooms, highlight the energy industry as a viable career option and serve as Entergy brand ambassadors in their local communities,” said Krystal Thurman, Entergy Diverse Workforce Strategy Program Manager and Entergy Faculty Intern Program Leader. “Programs like this don’t happen without a tremendous amount of teamwork, collaboration and a desire to help others be more successful.”

Entergy Interns of 2024

• Erol SarigulAssociate Professor, Department of Advanced Technology, Alcorn State University
• Lin GongAssistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Jackson State University
• Fred LacyProfessor and Chair, Electrical Engineering, Southern University and A&M College
• Jiecai LuoProfessor, Electrical Engineer, Southern University and A&M College
• Yasser IsmailAssociate Professor, Electrical Engineering, Southern University and A&M College
• Karol ColenProfessor and Chair of Engineering Management and Technology, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

The program continues to expand the talent pipeline by equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for success in the emerging energy sector. Learn more about our initiatives to provide training and support to students who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or energy.