First photo, left to right: Amber Harris ’11, senior health physicist and Sarah Dunn, sourcing recruiter, both from Entergy, Meet with Alcorn students Caleb Stead, Keisha Queen, Caroline Mensah and Elecia Harris during Entergy Day at Alcorn on November 9, 2015. Second photo, left to right: Entergy employees Harris, Alvin Jackson ’15, Kimberly Jacobs ’12 and Dunn; Alcorn employees Dr. Ivory W. Lyles, dean and director of land-grant programs, Dr. Kwabena Agyepong, chair, Department of Advanced Technologies, and Jermiah Billa, director of Health Physics Program.

The Department of Advanced Technologies in the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences hosted an Entergy Day in the Willie E. Simmons Industrial Technology Building. Entergy employees spoke to students of the Advanced Technologies Department about internships and career opportunities with the company. The event was held on November 9, 2015.

“The goal of the event was for our students to meet with industry representatives and first-hand receive the information on how to secure internships and employment,” said Dr. Kwabena Agyepong, department chair.

During this informational session three recent graduates of the Department of Advanced Technologies who are now employed by Entergy, shared with current students about their backgrounds, career paths and experiences with the company, so the students have a better idea of future career choices.

“Entergy is one of our strong partners and have been supporting this program since 2008 with funding, internship and job opportunities,” said Jermiah Billa, director of the Health Physics Program.

Recently, five health physics students each received a $10,000 scholarship, sponsored by Entergy Nuclear. Grand Gulf Radiation Protection Manager Roy Miller presented the $50,000 donation during half-time at Alcorn’s Homecoming game, October 17, 2015.

Billa added, “As of today, our graduates secured more than 20 internships and 10 permanent positions with Entergy. More importantly, Alcorn’s HP – Entergy relation was often quoted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a model university-industry partnership that has successfully trained and retained scientists in the nuclear industry. We are elated to see some of our graduates here today motivating our students and answering questions about working at Entergy.”

Sarah Dunn, sourcing recruiter for Entergy, gave an overview of the company by listing all of the energy sources that Entergy works with, as well as various locations and career opportunities the company offers.

“We provided the students with information on who we are and what we do,” said Dunn. “Visits like this help us create a pipelining of candidates for our further recruiting needs. We look at all majors, but our main focus are engineering and health physics.”

Alvin Jackson ’15, who is employed at an Entergy Fossil Plant as a production technician, discussed the benefits of working with Entergy which include a 401 savings plan, medical and dental insurance and training opportunities.

Amber Harris ’11, senior health physicist at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, said, “I am glad to be back and be able to talk to the students, to explain them from personal experience how important it is to get all the necessary experience and internships to secure employment.”

In his remarks, Dr. Ivory W. Lyles, dean and director of land-grant programs, School of AREAS, thanked Entergy for their support of Alcorn students and recognized the Department of Advanced Technologies for spearheading this program.

“Get engaged, get involved and be prepared,” said Dean Lyles addressing the students. He also encouraged them to fully use the opportunities that the partnership of the School and Entergy offers.

Keisha Queen, a senior, health physics major, found the meeting to be an “eye-opening experience,” she said. “I was interested to find out if what health physicists do in the field is what we learn in school.”

Caroline Mensah, also a senior majoring in health physics, agreed with her and added, “The alumni gave us good advice and answered the questions. We now know how to apply for jobs and internships with Entergy.”

For more information on the Health Physics Program, contact Jermiah Billa at [email protected] or call (601) 877-6484.