When Dr. Frank Marfai first read about the Computational Research Leadership Council (CRLC) seminar series, he thought there must be a catch. The ability to listen to top scientists speak about their current research without any associated costs seemed too good to be true. Once he realized that the series is a collaborative effort between six Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories and Sustainable Horizons Institute (SHI), he signed up Phoenix College, the urban community college in Arizona where he teaches, to be a host institution and has been a vocal supporter ever since.
“This is the opportunity our students need. I saw it connecting to our math, engineering, science achievement (MESA) program, our science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) club, and our engineering club really well,” says Dr. Marfai, Department of Mathematics professor and faculty lead for the MESA program. Over the three years that Phoenix College has hosted the CRLC series, Dr. Marfai has seen students’ increase their understanding of not only ways that math and engineering can be used but also of their own career options.
“The speakers were amazing. You could tell they love what they do, and they don’t talk at a level too high for or talk down to the students,” says Dr. Marfai. “They piqued interests and motivated our students.” He notes that several students were so inspired, they have pursued other SHI opportunities. Two students are attending the annual US Research Software Engineering Conference, hosted by the US Research Software Engineer Association (US-RSE) through the Building Engagement program. Three other students have applied to do internships as part of the SRP 2026 cohort. Sustainable Research Pathways (SRP) is a comprehensive program designed to connect U.S. researchers and project leaders at DOE labs with students and faculty from all across the U.S. and its territories to encourage lasting collaborations, jump start careers, and build innovative workplace environments.
“We will absolutely be continuing to host the CRLC seminar series. It has been a wonderful resource, and we are excited to continue that relationship,” says Dr. Marfai. “For students, it is life-changing.”