Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences—University of Michigan

Kristine Svinicki, adjunct professor at NERS and the Fastest Path to Zero Initiative, and former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, recently traveled to Japan and Tohoku University to participate in nuclear-focused events. https://lnkd.in/gXxDYQPR

Thanks to a U.S. Department of Energy Reactor Sharing Grant, students in NERS 425 and NERS 551 recently traveled to Ohio State’s research reactor for in-person labs. Led by professors Igor Jovanovic and Volkan Seker, students performed neutron activation analysis and reactor kinetics experiments aligned with their coursework. This collaboration with OSU's Nuclear Reactor Laboratory provides an invaluable experience for our students—and it’s just getting started. The DOE-supported partnership will continue for two more years, bringing reactor-based learning to life for future cohorts. https://lnkd.in/gx_jDQBv

NERS Professor John Foster is leading groundbreaking research in the use of cold plasma to break down PFAS—so-called "forever chemicals"—in groundwater. This technology doesn’t just remove contaminants; it destroys them, turning harmful compounds into water, carbon dioxide, and salts. What began in Foster’s lab has now launched a startup—Fourth State—co-founded by former students Joseph Groele and Roxanne Walker, with the goal of bringing this innovation to real-world water treatment systems at scale. It’s a powerful example of how plasma science, environmental engineering, and nuclear expertise converge for global impact. ?? Read more via The Michigan Daily: https://lnkd.in/gtGMGnRv

Congratulations, Dr. Londrea Garrett! Today, she successfully defended her thesis: Nanosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Development of Novel Nuclear Diagnostics.

This Giving Blueday, the Radiological Health Engineering Lab at NERS is seeking your support! We're raising funds to acquire advanced spectroscopic radiation detection tools—including scintillation detectors and multichannel analyzers—that will: ?? Advance our research in radiation dosimetry and environmental monitoring ?? Provide hands-on training for students in radiation safety ?? Support public outreach efforts and inspire the next generation of nuclear scientists Your contribution will help us expand our capabilities in detection, dose assessment, and data analysis, and share the power of nuclear science with our community. ?? Join us in making a difference: myumi.ch/zXzXP

Congratulations, Dr. Yuhao Wang! Today, he successfully defended his thesis: Multi-scale Simulations on Preferential Absorption Behaviors of Cavities in BCC Fe.

Congratulations, Dr. Trevor Johannes Smith! Today, he successfully defended his thesis: Characterizing desorbed surface contaminants leading to plasma formation in power feeds of pulsed power accelerators.

Congratulations, Dr. So-Bin Cho! Yesterday, he successfully defended his thesis: Nuclear Energy Hub with Thermal Energy Storage: A Pragmatic Design Approach to Support Scalable Energy Solutions.

We're excited to welcome Prof. Karthik Duraisamy to NERS! ?? Prof. Duraisamy brings a powerful combination of expertise in physics-based modeling, machine learning, and aerospace engineering—building bridges across disciplines to push the boundaries of what’s possible in nuclear science and beyond. With a joint appointment in NERS, Michigan Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering Department - University of Michigan, Prof. Duraisamy is continuing his trailblazing research on physics-informed machine learning, data assimilation, and uncertainty quantification. His work will strengthen our department’s capabilities in multi-physics modeling, advanced simulation, and the integration of AI into scientific computing. Welcome to NERS, Prof. Duraisamy! https://lnkd.in/dEh3T6qc

Congratulations to NERS graduate students Colleen Campbell, Diego Muzquiz, and Valentin Pauly for advancing to the final round of the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition at the University of Michigan! Special recognition goes to Valentin Pauly, who earned first place for best overall presentation. ?? The 3MT competition challenges PhD students to present their complex research in just three minutes—clearly, concisely, and compellingly. We’re proud of our students for rising to the challenge and representing NERS with excellence! https://lnkd.in/ggwrenzn