Volunteers: The Driving Force Behind NETL’s Regional Science Bowls

When NETL held its regional Science Bowls in February, students competing in these exciting contests were tested and supported by researchers and staff dedicated to resolving complex energy issues and developing the nation's next generation of scientific and engineering talent.

"At NETL, our staff members represent a core group of volunteers who serve as moderators, judges, timers, scorekeepers and in other important positions," said NETL's Adam Lott, regional Science Bowl coordinator. "Without their efforts, we could not have a successful tournament."

The 2026 contests marked the 35th year that NETL held regional Science Bowls in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, providing students with the opportunity to compete in a fast-paced, quiz show-style event and interact with NETL employees as well as volunteers representing local universities, colleges and institutions.

The West Virginia Science Bowl (WVSB) was held Feb. 6 for middle schools and Feb. 7 for high schools. Both contests were held at West Virginia University in Morgantown.

The Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin served as the site for the Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl (WPASB), which was held Friday, Feb. 27, for middle schools and Saturday, Feb. 28, for high schools.

NETL researcher Dustin McIntyre volunteers for the WVSB and WPASB and serves as a moderator and in any other capacity he may be needed.

"This was 23 years for me at Science Bowl," said McIntyre, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering and whose specialties include laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Among its applications, LIBS can be used to find rare earth elements (REEs) in acid mine drainage and other sources.

Growing up in southern West Virgina, McIntyre competed in various academic competitions. Although he never claimed a top prize, those experiences taught him valuable lessons.

"I learned there were other kids with the same interests I had, which gave me confidence to take on academic challenges at school. I think Science Bowl encourages today's students in the same way," McIntyre said.

He has completed nearly every task for Science Bowl volunteers. "Why do I keep coming back?" McIntyre asked. "I know there will always be students at every competition who love STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as much as I did. Encouraging them to excel in our STEM-related contest is my way of giving back."

Jessica Mullen, an NETL technology manager for REEs and other critical minerals, is another longtime volunteer with the WVSB and WPASB. Like McIntyre, she holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and has served as lead moderator in regional competitions and in nearly all other Science Bowl roles.

During the winter months, she also spends many Saturdays assisting with virtual Science Bowl competitions in regions across the country. In the spring, she helps at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.

"Science Bowl is important because it showcases an academic pursuit that deserves to be, just like athletics, recognized and in the spotlight," Mullen said. "From a personal perspective, it's rewarding to work with young people who are excited about learning and to speak with them between rounds about careers in STEM. It's crucial to support their efforts because they are the workforce of tomorrow who will develop new technologies needed in energy and other fields"

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory dedicated to innovating and accelerating the nation's energy solutions in hydrocarbon, geothermal energy and critical minerals production. With research sites in Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, NETL operates as one laboratory to create advanced energy technologies that support DOE's mission and enable affordable, reliable and secure energy to fuel human prosperity.