The central goal of this partnership between Tennessee Technological University (TTU) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is to develop a diverse and skilled workforce in separation science and isotope production. The collaboration is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Leveraging existing programs at both institutions, the initiative will provide mentorship, hands-on training, and professional development opportunities to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Engaging undergraduates in authentic research experiences enhances their confidence, technical skills, and retention in STEM fields. Students will be involved in all aspects of the project, from experimental design to data collection and analysis, gaining invaluable insights and skills. Through this initiative, TTU and ORNL aim to shape the next generation of skilled scientists in isotope separation while advancing diversity, equity, and excellence in STEM. This project addresses the critical demand for highly pure lanthanide isotopes, which are essential for applications in medical imaging, space exploration, and other advanced fields. One of the primary scientific challenges in this area is the separation of adjacent lanthanides, which have nearly identical chemical properties and sizes. To meet this challenge, the research focuses on developing innovative separation techniques using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These three-dimensional structures, composed of organic linkers and metal nodes, form tunable pores that can be optimized for size-based separations. By systematically adjusting the pore dimensions of MOF structures, the project aims to identify optimal conditions for isolating neighboring lanthanides, with the potential to transform separation science and apply these methods to other complex separations.