The first group of students has been chosen for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and WSU (PNNL-WSU) Distinguished Graduate Research Program, according to a WSU News release.

This program is open to all accepted graduate students who are involved in research about clean energy, sustainability, national security or biotechnology, according to the news release.

The first group of students was chosen from a group of students nominated by WSU faculty and PNNL researchers.

While doing coursework, the students will also work with nationally-recognized PNNL scientists for their thesis projects, according to the news release. The students will receive a stipend and benefits while in the program.

The first cohort will begin this fall, with a new one selected each year.

Reporting by Haley Donwerth