Chemistry Student Chosen for Internship at Storied National Laboratory

An upcoming internship at one of the most storied laboratories in the world represents a big first step into a career as a nuclear scientist for Travis Hager.

The Department of Chemistry senior is poised to wrap up two years of study and research under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Vasileios Anagnostopoulos,Ph.D.. Adding to his resume will be a summer internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

Hager will virtually join a team attached to the plutonium supply program that works in tandem with NASA and other organizations with a need for radioactive materials. It’s a realization of a longtime dream that started when Hager was introduced to nuclear chemistry in grade school.

“It was a discussion on the half life of radioactive material that really piqued my interest,” Hager said.

Hager followed the interest to Eastern Florida State College, where a chemistry professor with a background as a nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy fostered his aspirations. The mentorship with Anagnostopoulos solidified his career goals.

“It’s crazy to see everything coming together now,” Hager said.