Broadened Horizons: NRL Pioneers New Naval Research Paths for USNA Midshipmen Interns

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has provided invaluable hands-on experience to young science and engineering interns through its esteemed internship program. “These bright and motivated young scientists and engineers gained invaluable hands-on experience contributing to cutting-edge research projects that support the Navy’s mission,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Jesse Black. He emphasized that the program uniquely enables midshipmen to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges alongside leading scientists and engineers.

During their tenure, the midshipmen voiced gratitude for the mentorship and guidance they received from NRL staff. The internship aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Naval Research Enterprise. Interns get opportunities to network with top experts, hone technical skills, and stay abreast of scientific and technological advancements.

Midshipman 1/C Sanjana Basu Mallick, a USNA Chemistry major, highlighted the program’s focus on mission readiness. “Almost anything you can imagine is studied, tested, and improved on here,” Mallick observed, noting the high regard that past interns hold for the program and its contributors.

The interns toured several NRL divisions, including the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research, Far Field Range, Software Reprogrammable Payload, and Plasma Physics Space Physics technologies, providing them with a broad view of the lab’s multidisciplinary efforts.

Midshipman 2/C Olivia Rae Achenbach, a USNA Astrophysics major, expressed gratitude for her mentorship under Dr. Kristina Nyland. Achenbach’s project, which aligned with her research passions, involved studying a Hubble Space Telescope image of an active galactic nucleus. The unexpected results reinforced the significance of continued astronomical research for advancing Fleet technologies.

“It is critical that astronomers uncover these mysteries as active galactic nuclei and pulsars are heavily relied on for advancing our global positioning systems used by the Fleet,” Achenbach said, underlining the practical applications of their research.

NRL remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientific and engineering talent. By offering these internships, the laboratory plays a pivotal role in developing the Navy and Marine Corps’ future leaders.

About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

NRL is a premier scientific and engineering command engaged in research that propels innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. From the seafloor to space, NRL’s work spans various fields within the information domain. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the lab operates major field sites in Mississippi, Florida, and California, employing approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers, and support personnel.

For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil.