Meet LLNL: Three interns on what makes the Lab special

Each summer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) welcomes a new cohort of talented interns from all academic backgrounds, eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and real-world problem-solving. In this article, three interns share their unique perspectives on what makes LLNL a truly special place to learn and grow. From pioneering artificial intelligence for scientific discovery to advancing national security and exploring the frontiers of neuroscience, their stories highlight the Lab’s collaborative culture, commitment to innovation and impact on both personal and professional development. Meet these students and learn their reasons why the Lab is a special place to be an intern.

Combining fundamental research with real-world applications and a supportive, collaborative environment

Akshita Ramya Kamsali, a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University, is a Data Science Summer Institute intern in LLNL’s Computing directorate. Her work centers on integrating large language models into self-driving labs, with a focus on improving the security and alignment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Kamsali’s hands-on research is accelerating scientific discovery by leveraging advanced AI, and her experience at LLNL has exceeded her expectations, both professionally and personally.

“Working at a top-tier institution like LLNL has always been a dream of mine. Being part of LLNL and working in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab has exceeded my expectations, both professionally and personally,” Kamsali said.

Inspired by LLNL’s reputation for combining fundamental research with real-world impact, Kamsali has found the Lab’s collaborative and supportive environment instrumental in reigniting her passion for research. Guided by her mentor on the Advanced Robotics for Materials and Manufacturing Optimization and Research project, a Laboratory Directed Research Development-funded project, she has grown technically and personally, and now encourages future interns to communicate openly, engage with the community and seek involvement beyond their main projects.

Collaboration across fields is encouraged and innovation thrives

Daniel Humphrey, a senior at the University of San Francisco majoring in psychology with a neuroscience minor, joined LLNL as a year-round research assistant in the Physical and Life Sciences directorate. His work, funded by the Livermore Lab Foundation, focuses on using animal models to study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resilience and susceptibility in rats, developing computer models to analyze behavior and conducting hands-on behavioral tests. Humphrey values the Lab’s dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, which contrasts with the longer-term nature of traditional academia.

“At LLNL, collaboration between all fields is encouraged and welcomed, and projects move faster and are more dynamic and are often far more innovative simply by virtue of including more voices and perspectives,” Humphrey said. “This is the kind of environment I wanted coming into this internship, and it's exactly what I found here.”

His LLNL experience has been transformative, equipping him with a wide range of technical and laboratory skills in behavioral neuroscience and giving him clarity and confidence in his research interests. Humphrey credits the supportive, collaborative culture at LLNL for helping him refine his career goals and encourages future interns to connect widely with colleagues to maximize both learning and networking opportunities.

Leadership in national security and opportunity to create impact

Alyssa Manning, who is finishing her master of public administration at Ohio University, serves as an emergency management graduate intern within the Lab’s Operations and Business directorate. She researches disaster resilience across Department of Energy national laboratories, participates in emergency exercises and helps develop after-action reports. Manning has also supported the implementation of new software in the Lab’s Emergency Operations Center for efficient and coordinated emergency responses.

“My decision to intern at LLNL was driven by the Lab’s renowned role in advancing national security and its alignment with my academic background and research interests,” Manning said.

Drawn to LLNL by the capabilities of its state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center, Manning has found the internship invaluable in applying her academic studies to real-world scenarios. The experience has deepened her understanding of public administration and strengthened her problem-solving and communication skills. Manning encourages future interns to be proactive, seek out learning opportunities and embrace feedback to make the most of their time at LLNL.

The experiences of these interns underscore the value of LLNL’s supportive, interdisciplinary environment, where curiosity is encouraged and contributions are valued. As they look ahead to their future careers, each intern carries forward new skills, insights and inspiration gained during their time at the Lab. Their journeys serve as a testament to the opportunities LLNL offers for growth, discovery and making a difference.

Ready for your next internship opportunity? LLNL offers a range of student programs, including undergraduate summer internships and year-round graduate positions — apply today. To learn more about LLNL’s dynamic internship experiences, tune in to the Big Ideas Lab podcast, available on Apple or Spotify.