The CANDID program is a traineeship program targeted at underrepresented minority (URM) students enrolled at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to perform high-energy physics (HEP) research at ORNL. By coupling the research capabilities at ORNL with dedicated mentoring of students from partnering institutions for two years, we can open the field of HEP as a career possibility for this cohort of promising students.

The program is designed to overcome barriers associated with educational access and success for the nation’s marginalized citizens by acknowledging the importance of MSIs in degree attainment for URMs and leveraging the resources available at ORNL. The program combines adequate mentor training, a series of career and personal development training for the mentees, and a rich research experience to guarantee the development of a physics research identity and enable students to succeed in graduate degrees in physics. The overarching goal of this program is to increase the likelihood of the cohort obtaining a graduate degree in STEM and increase the retention of URM students in STEM fields, especially in HEP, by providing more prosperous career development paths.

            The CANDID program features several vital aspects to ensure our goal is met and make this traineeship experience different from other DOE-funded internship programs. These elements are informed by the recent TEAM-UP report, including financial support for students during the academic year to relieve financial stress and the possibility of focusing on coursework and research activities. Furthermore, CANDID fellows will work in a safe, nurturing environment and receive mentorship from ORNL scientists and faculty at their home institution while being part of a cohort for up to two years. Another critical aspect of the program is the master’s and Bridge to Doctorate programs at the MSIs that will be funded under this proposal, allowing fellows to seamlessly transition to a graduate degree while still being part of the cohort and with the possibility of completing a master’s degree project in collaboration with an ORNL scientist. The program will include immersion in particle physics research, professional development, technical skills workshops, and social and networking activities. Students in their junior/senior college years and first-year graduate students will be the target for this program. Activities will be held weekly during the summer internship at ORNL and monthly during the academic year. CANDID fellows will be expected to fully participate in a research project, attend all program activities, and prepare a technical poster presentation or talk at the end of the summer internship.

            Another important aspect of our program is the focus on faculty engagement and building infrastructure for institutions that are not traditionally part of the HEP portfolio. Faculty will have the opportunity to expand their training and research laboratories, visit ORNL during the summer with students, and get trained in cutting-edge research areas such as QIS and machine learning. This proposal will support a cohort of promising young students to embark on a career in HEP. Our program features a rich, culturally diverse research environment from the different cultural backgrounds of the partnering institutions and collaborators involved, along with the immersive curriculum that will enhance fellow’s competence in the fundamental knowledge and technical skills needed to ensure a higher rate of degree attainment.