ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Five South Carolina State University's nuclear engineering program students were honored with a $150,000 grant from Duke Energy.
“Being able to complete our degree program without having to worry about finances is really great," said SC State senior and nuclear engineering student Shia Jones.
Jones, along with Noah Davis, are two of five nuclear engineering students who received the scholarship. They received individual grants of $10,000 per year for a total of 15 awards over the life of the three year grant.
“I plan to continue my education into a grad program to do nuclear medicine," said Jones and then added she has a dream of pursuing a career in cancer research.
Interim president of SC State Alex Conyers says the school is the only HBCU nationwide to offer a nuclear engineering program.
“My hopes for these students is they will continue their education, graduate, and become significant contributors to our nuclear engineering workforce," said Conyers.
Davis said he is still deciding what he wants to do long-term in the field of nuclear engineering, but thinks receiving the grant is a step in the right direction.
“We’re gonna power the future. You know, finding different materials that are better suited for different applications," said Davis.