Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory



The NIF & Photon Science Summer Scholar Program prepares graduate and undergraduate students for experimental, theoretical, and computational research in many disciplines, such as:

  • Lasers
  • Plasma Physics
  • Electro-optics
  • Software development
  • Optics development
  • Material science

Each year, a diverse group of students joins this dynamic environment. Each is assigned a research mentor and a project that coincides with the student’s research interests. The interns have the opportunity to interact with staff scientists, give oral presentations, and learn about other interesting research at LLNL. Read their stories in Student Spotlight.

Internships are available up to a three-month period during the summer. Click here for information about LLNL’s student programs. To look for opportunities, go to the LLNL Careers page.

For more information about Livermore and the Bay Area, please see the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Patrick PoolePatrick Poole—Lead on the NIF&PS Summer Scholar Program

“On behalf of the NIF&PS Summer Scholar Program I would like to encourage you to spend your summer with us here at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. As a summer intern you will have the opportunity to interact and work closely with world-class scientists on cutting-edge fundamental research.

“We think of work at NIF broadly as photon science because research topics extend from laser and optical component design for the most powerful laser in the world, to novel target and diagnostic engineering that must withstand extreme conditions, to high energy density plasma physics and astrophysics experiments that can’t be done anywhere else in the world.

“Past students have made significant contributions in these areas and more, but best of all they had a fun summer while they were at it, experiencing the beautiful California outdoors as well as the sights of San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

“We look forward to you joining us!"