2025 UTSR Gas Turbine Industrial
Fellowship Program

Program Background

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy manages the Advanced Turbine Program, which strives to improve U.S. gas turbine technology for coal-based power plant applications with carbon capture and storage.

One of the key elements of the Advanced Turbine Program is the University Turbine System Research (UTSR) Program. UTSR addresses scientific research to develop and transition advanced turbines and turbine-based systems that will operate cleanly and efficiently when fueled with coal-derived synthesis gas and hydrogen fuels. This state-of-the-art research focuses on the areas of combustion, aerodynamics/heat transfer, and materials, in support of the Advanced Turbine Program goals. These goals and the relevance of the research are advanced by the close interaction between participating universities and gas turbine manufacturers and gas turbine users.

UTSR also offers a Gas Turbine Industrial Fellowship (GTIF) program to recruit qualified university research students. This fellowship brings highly trained student researchers from the university to industrial gas turbine design and manufacturing environments. The UTSR Fellowship experience often results in the employment of highly trained professionals in the gas turbine industry working to advance gas turbine technology.

Program Description

The UTSR GTIF Program is performing cutting edge research for the next generation of industrial gas turbines to enhance U.S. energy security and provide a cleaner environment. The GTIF Program is a key part of the UTSR effort. The GTIF provides undergraduate- and graduate-level science and engineering students with the opportunity to conduct research, engineering, and design projects at leading gas turbine industry sponsors (listed below).

Under the guidance of industry experts, selected students will complete a 10- to 12-week summer project in a variety of areas, including:

• Heat Transfer
• Aerodynamics
• Combustion
• Thermodynamics
• Advanced materials and coatings
• Design
• Manufacturing
• Test and evaluation

Students will prepare a final report and presentation on their project for distribution to the industry sponsors and posting on the UTSR website. GTIF provides distinct benefits for anyone considering employment in the gas turbine industry or a related field.

2025 Industry Sponsors

Eligibility

The GTIF program is open to graduate and undergraduate engineering and science students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Undergraduates must have completed their junior year by June 2025. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens and provide proof of citizenship or alien status with their application.

Stipends

Undergraduate Fellows are paid a stipend of U.S. $12,500, and Graduate Fellows are paid a stipend of U.S. $14,500 to cover their living expenses and all expenses associated with the work at host companies. This stipend includes a one-time travel allowance for travel to and from the host site and an additional housing stipend. This stipend is paid in two equal installments. The first half will be provided to the Fellows after submitting all Fellowship paperwork and host company paperwork prior to the beginning of their work term at the host company, the second half at the approximate mid-point of the fellowships. Beyond this amount, fellows who will be invited to the UTSR Project Review Meeting will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses upon approval of the fellowship.

Application Requirements

Please complete the Online Application and confirm Proof of Eligibility per the DOE eligibility requirements:

DOE eligibility requirements:

• Are you a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien?
• Can you provide Proof of Eligibility (social security card, birth certificate, or passport)?
• Are you a college Senior or a Graduate student?
• Do you have a 3.0 GPA or higher?
• Do you meet the DOE criteria listed above?

In addition, you must have your university send an official transcript of your grades to:

Veronica Encino — Bldg. 77
Southwest Research Institute
9503 W. Commerce St.
San Antonio, Texas 78227

The application must be submitted and the official transcript must be received by the application deadline (November 4, 2024).

Please note that the address must contain "Veronica Encino — Bldg. 77." Southwest Research Institute is a large campus and without this information, your transcript will remain unclaimed.

Electronic transcripts will be accepted, they must be emailed directly to veronica.encino@swri.org in order to be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Selections will be made on a competitive basis. The applicant's selection will be based on academic record, aptitude, and interest in the field of gas turbines or related technologies and the references provided. The student's research interests and host company's requirements will also be considered when matching students with host companies.

At this time, 8 fellowship opportunities are anticipated for 2025. To increase the likelihood of your selection, you should indicate the maximum possible flexibility in the sponsoring companies that you are willing to work for on your application.

The actual number of fellowships awarded is at the sole discretion of Southwest Research Institute, and all decisions are final.

Equal Opportunity Policy

It is the policy of Southwest Research Institute to recruit and select participants without regard to Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/ Veteran.

Program Success

Since 2005, 209 students have participated in the UTSR GTIF program. Approximately 80% of the interns have taken positions in gas turbine or gas turbine-related organizations.