Purdue Nuclear Engineering

Congratulations to Purdue Nuclear Engineering alumnus Dr. Andrew Fairbanks, who received the Navy’s 2026 Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers Award for establishing the High Power Microwave Effects Laboratory at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4vQ5SO7

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Naval Sea Systems Command
Purdue Nuclear Engineering

Navy honors NSWC Dahlgren Division engineer for High Power Microwave laboratory achievemen As threats evolve across the seas, the Navy needs to be confident in directed energy weapon systems deployed to the Fleet. It relies on Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), the

Congratulations to Ahmed Hassanein, the Paul L. Wattelet Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Engineering and director of the Center for Materials Under Extreme Environment (CMUXE), on receiving the 2026 IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society Richard F. Shea Distinguished Member Award.

The honor recognizes Hassanein’s exceptional leadership, sustained service and innovative contributions to nuclear fusion, laser and discharge plasma research.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4fykvRk

Congratulations Purdue Nuclear Engineering and John Martinson Honors College Junior, Charles Behrman, on being named a 2026 Astronaut Scholar!

Purdue University | Purdue Engineering | Barry Goldwater Scholarship Foundation | Astronaut Scholarship Foundation | Purdue National and International Scholarships Office |

Congratulations graduating Nuclear Engineering students!

Congratulations to Purdue Nuclear Engineering undergraduate student Charles Behrman on being named a Goldwater Scholar. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards for students pursuing research careers in science and engineering.

Behrman is a student in Purdue's John Martinson Honors College and plans to pursue graduate study after his expected spring 2027 graduation.

Purdue is leading a $3.2 million project to expand nuclear safety training and workforce development.

Led by Purdue Nuclear Engineering's Hitesh Bindra, the initiative will create flexible, hands-on training modules focused on reactor safety, system integrity, and quality assurance—preparing students and professionals for careers in nuclear energy.

The program also supports workforce transitions, helping engineers from other energy sectors build new skills. https://tinyurl.com/f8hu9zh3

Purdue Nuclear Engineering's Shripad Revankar has been appointed to lead the Nuclear Energy Pillar within Purdue’s Institute for Energy Innovation.

With more than 40 years of experience, Professor Revankar will guide research, industry partnerships, and workforce development—advancing nuclear energy as a reliable solution for growing energy demands.

This campus-wide initiative brings together experts across disciplines to tackle complex energy challenges.

https://tinyurl.com/48udskrn

A new patented technology developed by Allen Garner and former doctoral student Andrew Fairbanks could reshape how electromagnetic systems are designed and used.

By simplifying how radiofrequency signals are generated, the innovation reduces system size and complexity while improving adaptability—making it easier to deploy and adjust systems in real time.

With support from the Office of Naval Research, the work opens possibilities across defense, communications, automotive, and even emerging biomedical technologies. https://tinyurl.com/mv3jd6dy

Innovation in action.

Purdue School of Nuclear Engineering seniors recently presented their capstone design projects, tackling real-world challenges across energy, safety, and advanced technologies.

Working with partners like Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Duke Energy, and Westinghouse, students explored topics ranging from AI-assisted fuel design to microreactors and space-based systems. These industry-sponsored projects give students hands-on experience solving real problems.

Learn more about each project: https://tinyurl.com/4cjuxyjm

Purdue School of Nuclear Engineering recognized senior design TEAM Framatome with the 2025-26 Academic Achievement Award for Best Design Poster.

Their project investigates methods to reduce reliance on 252Cf neutron sources for reactor startupby optimizing source placement and detector response. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the team evaluates alternative configurations and sources that maintain safety and regulatory compliancewhile lowering cost and dependence on scarce isotopes.

Team members: Peter Bradshaw, Veronica Miller, Tyrone Shields and Parker Smith.