As Argonne intern, nuclear engineering undergrad cracks the code

A nuclear engineering senior, Gerson A. Esquivel Garcia is a licensed nuclear reactor operator and a King-Morgridge and Grand Challenges Scholar. In summer 2025, he is completing a research internship (his official title is “research aide technical”) with Argonne National Laboratory in the Chicago suburb of Darien, Illinois. It’s experience that will be valuable no matter what the future holds; at the moment, he’s planning to attend graduate school for a PhD after graduation—”fingers crossed,” he says.

We caught up with him in late July to ask a few questions—along with getting some great advice—about his internship.

Why did you choose your employer and the research position?
The skills and software used in my undergrad research were aligned with my current mentor’s project and needs. It seemed like a great and doable project, and it was also very close to Madison.

What, generally, are you doing in that role?
I am doing some backend development for a suite of deterministic neutronic codes (nuclear engineering simulation software). My main task is to upgrade the language processing server to streamline the processing of user input files and integrate a modern database to enable more efficient code development in the future.

How is this work allowing you to apply your engineering knowledge and skills?
While my job this summer is not something that people would imagine when I tell them I am a nuclear engineer, it does show one of engineering’s most important pillars: multidisciplinarity. Most of the skills that I am applying are code-related and not very theoretical, but it does require a lot of communication with other team members and members from other national laboratories about code updates or deficiencies that need to be fixed. It is a good mix of coding and soft skills.

What, if anything, are you learning this summer that you will be able to apply when you get back to campus … or in your future career?
The main skills that I have learned and improved while at my internship is to use a distributed version control system. When multiple people work with codes that are thousands of lines at the same time, it can get very messy real fast. A version control system helps you work in a very organized way. This is a very valuable skill in the job market, but I also believe it will be useful for a few group projects.

What’s the best part about this work?
The leadership and environment here at Argonne. My mentor and department leadership have done a great job fostering a welcoming sense of community and dignity. My project is exciting and I’m glad that I have been able to make great progress, but it is even better to feel at a safe and supportive workplace.

What would you say to encourage other engineering undergraduates to do an internship or co-op?
It might not be easy to find one, or even scary to think of moving to a different city/state for just the summer, but it is a great learning experience. Doing an internship or a co-op allows you to have a real taste of what the professional world looks like. You get a nice pay rate, you get to know very interesting professionals, and you get to learn very valuable skills that might help you get hired in the future. People should definitely try it if it’s within their possibilities.