Fostering Opportunities in Research and Growth Through Engineering Traineeships (FORGE)

Dr. Farzan Ghauri, Professor of Physics¹

Co-PI(s): Dr. Purva DeVol, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement¹,

Travante Thompson, Engineering Physicist², Amanda Early, STEM Ambassador²

1: Triton College, River Grove, IL 60171

2: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL 60510

The collaboration between Triton College and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) aims to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in high-energy physics by establishing a pilot traineeship program. This program combines academic coursework at Triton College with practical experience at Fermilab, preparing students for careers in engineering and technical fields. The objectives of the Fostering Opportunities in Research and Growth Through Engineering Traineeships (FORGE) program include developing a specialized pre-engineering pathway and will support Triton College’s efforts to develop its Associate in Engineering Science (AES) degree. The coursework will be coupled with hands-on training, real-world problem-solving experiences at Fermilab, and professional development and networking opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. In year one of the program, six students will enroll in the inaugural class of Triton College's AES degree program, completing foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. In the summer, they will transition to internships at Fermilab, integrating classroom learning with hands-on experience. For year two, students will complete their coursework while continuing their internships at Fermilab, further developing their technical and professional skills. Multiple levels of support will be available for the participants throughout their time in the program as students progress in their academic coursework and during their internships, providing any required technical training, multiple mentors, and guidance in pursuing additional internship opportunities as the students transfer to a four-year institution. The expected outcomes of the FORGE program include students gaining practical experience and technical skills needed for careers in engineering while enhancing the curriculum and new coursework developed at Triton College through the development of a sustainable partnership between Triton College and Fermilab, contributing to workforce growth in high-energy physics. The FORGE program represents a strategic effort to prepare pre-engineering students for advanced study and professional careers in STEM. By integrating academic learning with real-world experience, the program aims to produce skilled professionals ready to contribute to advancements in Fermilab’s scientific mission.

This research was selected for funding by the Office of High Energy Physics

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