Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

Please join us in welcoming Kyle Hartig to the NERS faculty!

Hartig joins the department as an associate professor, bringing expertise in nuclear security, nonproliferation, nuclear forensics, radiation detection, and remote sensing technologies.

Kyle C. Hartig joins NERS faculty - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences The associate professor's research advances nuclear security through remote sensing, radiation detection, nuclear forensics, and nonproliferation technologies.

Michigan Engineering and Ross School of Business are launching the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Dual Degree Program, and our own professor Y Z will serve as the inaugural faculty director. Y Z brings extensive interdisciplinary experience to the role.

Y Z named inaugural faculty director of Michigan IBE - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences The NERS professor will help guide the academic vision of the University of Michigan Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Dual Degree Program.

NERS is part of DELIGHT, a new $4.5 million NSF six-institution collaboration to develop the advanced diagnostics needed to measure experiments with the world's most powerful lasers.

NERS professor Alexander Thomas is leading U-M's project, developing virtual diagnostics and simulation tools that will help researchers better understand ultra-intense laser-plasma experiments and maximize the capabilities of the NSF ZEUS laser facility.

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NERS joins NSF-funded effort to advance diagnostics for the world's most powerful lasers - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Alexander Thomas leads U-M’s effort in six-institution collaboration to improve measurements for ultra-intense laser science.

Congratulations to NERS Associate Professor Martha Matuszak, who has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)!

The FASTRO designation recognizes sustained achievement and service to ASTRO, the field of radiation oncology, and patient care. Matuszak is one of just 39 physicians, medical physicists, and scientists selected for the honor this year.

Matuszak holds a joint appointment in NERS, where her work connects nuclear engineering, radiation science, and medical physics.

Martha Matuszak named ASTRO Fellow - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences The NERS associate professor was recognized as a Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology for service to the society and contribution to the field.

AI is transforming nuclear engineering, and NERS is launching a new concentration in U-M's AI+ Engineering master's and graduate certificate programs beginning Fall 2027.

AI+ Engineering program with nuclear concentration launched at U-M - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Enrollment now open for University of Michigan Engineering AI+ Engineering master's and grad certificate programs with a NERS concentration.

Congratulations to NERS Interim Chair Xiaodong Sun on being elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)!

ASME Fellow, the Society’s highest membership grade, recognizes significant contributions to the engineering profession.

Sun’s research advances nuclear reactor thermal hydraulics and safety, from two-phase flow and heat transfer to thermal-hydraulic systems for advanced reactors.

This latest recognition makes Sun a Fellow of both ASME and the American Nuclear Society.

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Xiaodong Sun elected ASME Fellow - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences The NERS interim chair was recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his contributions to the engineering profession.

🎓Meet new NERS PhD Peter G. Hotvedt!

Hotvedt’s doctoral research focused on improving the accuracy of high-energy photon measurements using 3D-CZT detectors, with potential applications in radiation imaging and nuclear security. Next, Hotvedt will join MH3D Inc. as a senior scientist, developing CdZnTe-based detectors for medical imaging applications.

Congratulations, Dr. Hotvedt!

New NERS PhD: Dr. Peter G. Hotvedt - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Hotvedt researches high-energy photon imaging to improve the accuracy and capabilities of radiation detection systems.

Congratulations to four University of Michigan students on earning American Nuclear Society scholarships!

—Tristan Armstrong
—Lawton Avants
—Lillian Gleason
—John Mobley IV

From advanced reactors and medical imaging to nuclear workforce development, these students are pursuing research and careers that will help shape the future of nuclear science and engineering.

U-M students receive ANS scholarships - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Tristan Armstrong, Lawton Avants, Lillian Gleason, and John Mobley IV recognized with American Nuclear Society scholarships.f

The third annual Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers has wrapped up!

Sixteen rising high school seniors from across the country spent four weeks immersed in engineering, leadership, and the future of clean energy at the University of Michigan.

Harper Academy welcomes 16 future engineers as interest in nuclear careers continues to grow - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences The third annual summer program received more than 100 applications and introduced 16 rising high school seniors to nuclear engineering through an immersive four-week residential experience.

How can universities and industry work together to accelerate innovation?

NERS hosted the inaugural Workshop on Industry-Academia Collaboration in Michigan and Beyond, bringing together leaders from industry, academia, and government to explore partnerships in AI, manufacturing, mobility, energy, and nuclear engineering.

Organized by Yugo Ashida with collaborators Kazu Saitou and Grace Hsia Haberl, the workshop welcomed participants from Michigan, across the U.S., Japan, and Germany.

Workshop strengthens industry-academia collaboration across engineering sectors - Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences Invite-only event hosted by NERS brings together industry leaders, faculty, and students to advance partnerships in research, innovation, and workforce development.