In April and October of 2023, Overbach High School student Mandukhai Ritman embarked on a challenging internship at our Institute for Nuclear Waste Management. Her three-week mission aimed at unraveling the mysteries of safe radioactive waste disposal.
Dr. Jenna Poonoosamy’s team welcomed Mandukhai, and together they delved into a project exploring the long-term behavior of nuclear waste. Through a series of experiments, Mandukhai investigated methods for radionuclide co-precipitation. This internship wasn’t just about science; it was a confidence booster for Mandukhai. The research experience ignited a passion for scientific inquiry, and she now sets her sights on a future career in science herself.