Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

10/06/2026

Congratulations to NERS PhD pre-candidate Fraser Dougall on receiving the Intern Thunderbird Award from Sandia National Laboratories!

The award recognizes student interns who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and dedication to advancing Sandia's mission. A second-year PhD pre-candidate advised by Brendan Kochunas, Fraser began his internship at Sandia in May 2024, initially working in nuclear deterrence before transitioning to Energy Security. He currently works within Sandia's Integrated Security Solutions Division in the Homeland Security & Defense Systems Department.

Read more:

The NERS PhD pre-candidate was recognized for his contributions to Sandia National Laboratories and his dedication to advancing its mission.

10/02/2026

We were pleased to welcome Dr. Rian Bahran back to NERS today for U-M Climate Week!

Bahran, chief nuclear officer at Antares, joined us for the NERS Colloquium, presenting “Nuclear Technology and National Security: Where Engineering and Policy Intersect.” He also spent an hour meeting with students from the U-M chapter of the American Nuclear Society, giving them an opportunity to discuss careers, policy, and the evolving role of nuclear tech in national security.

During his visit, NERS Interim Chair Xiaodong Sun presented Bahran with a certificate recognizing his reinstatement as an adjunct professor in the department. We’re excited to officially welcome him back. Thank you, Dr. Bahran!

10/01/2026

Introducing PEANuT 3.0! 🥜

Our Fastest Path to Zero Initiative has officially launched PEANuT 3.0, an updated and expanded version of our global data exploration platform, which includes a new section on nonproliferation indicators.

PEANuT is a global data exploration tool for assessing a country's overall suitability and readiness to host U.S. advanced nuclear technologies. Whether you are an advanced nuclear technology developer looking to expand into new markets abroad, an academic researcher or policy analyst interested in understanding the international landscape of advanced nuclear reactor deployment, or an NGO focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions, PEANuT is a valuable and comprehensive platform for relevant resources and data.

Discover how the platform can support your analysis of countries’ readiness to host advanced nuclear technologies: peanut.fptz.org

10/01/2026

Nuclear technology is helping protect rhinos from poaching.

H3D, co-founded by NERS Professor Zhong He with three of his former grad students, is supporting the RhIsotope Project, an innovative conservation effort that places small, detectable quantities of radioactive material in rhino horns to deter trafficking and help identify horns at international borders.

Using H3D’s H420 gamma-ray imaging spectrometer, project teams can visualize the radioactive marker in real time, helping confirm its placement, support safe handling, and create a radiological fingerprint that could help identify trafficked horns.

Learn more: https://h3dgamma.com/rhisotope.php

09/28/2026

09/28/2026

CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT: Ian Steigerwald

NERS PhD pre-candidate Ian Steigerwald recently presented his research at the 8th Workshop on TEM With In-Situ Irradiation (WOTWISI), held September 13–16 at the University of North Texas!

His presentation, “Towards a Deployable Automated In Situ TEM Drift Correction and 3D Reconstruction System,” explores how machine learning can improve the accuracy and efficiency of electron microscopy experiments.

In situ irradiation experiments generate enormous amounts of data, but unwanted movement, known as drift, can make that data difficult to analyze. Steigerwald's research uses machine learning to automatically correct for drift and streamline techniques like 3D reconstruction.

By automating these processes, his work could enable more autonomous experiments, allowing researchers to focus on real-time results while improving the quality of their data.

Congratulations on a successful presentation, Ian!

09/25/2026

Congratulations to NERS Professor Sara Pozzi, who was recognized with a University of Michigan Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award! The award honors faculty who support the intellectual, scholarly, and professional growth of postdoctoral fellows and foster an environment where postdocs can thrive. https://record.umich.edu/articles/postdoctoral-fellows-faculty-mentors-recognized/

09/24/2026

What role can nuclear science and engineering play in addressing our energy and climate challenges?

During U-M Climate Week, Sept. 26-Oct. 3, NERS will explore that question through conversations about advanced nuclear energy, climate, research, and the technologies shaping our energy future.

Join us for three events:

Sept. 29 | 3-4:30 pm
Nuclear Energy and Climate in the 21st Century with Denia Djokić
MMPP 2000

Sept. 29 | 4-6 pm
NERS Undergraduate Open House
Baer Room, Cooley Building

Oct. 2 | Noon
Climate Week Colloquium with Rian Bahran, Chief Nuclear Officer at Antares
Baer Room, 2906 Cooley

Throughout Climate Week, we'll also be highlighting NERS research addressing questions at the intersection of nuclear technology, energy, climate, and society.

Join us for ! Climate Week at the University of Michigan is a transformative university-wide initiative dedicated to addressing the environmental challenges of our time.

09/23/2026

CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT: Lingfeng Zhou

NERS PhD candidate Lingfeng Zhou recently presented his research at the 8th Workshop on TEM With In-Situ Irradiation (WOTWISI), held earlier this month at the University of North Texas.

His presentation, “Tracing Ionization-Driven Anion Void Lattice Self-Organization in CaF2 by In Situ Electron Irradiation,” explores how radiation can cause defects in crystalline materials to spontaneously organize into ordered nanoscale patterns.

Using real-time electron microscopy in the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, Zhou is investigating how fluorine atoms move and contribute to this process. His findings could help advance the development of more radiation-resistant materials and new methods for engineering nanoscale structures using radiation.

Congratulations on a successful presentation, Lingfeng!