Michigan Engineering honors NERS alumnus Jian Gan with Department Merit Award
Gan is the Division Scientific Lead for Advanced Characterization at Idaho National Laboratory.
The University of Michigan’s Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) is proud to announce that alumnus Jian Gan has been awarded the 2024 Michigan Engineering Department Merit Award. This award, recognizing alumni for their exceptional contributions to their fields and continued dedication to excellence, underscores Dr. Gan’s impact on nuclear materials research and innovation.
The Department Merit Award is one of Michigan Engineering’s highest honors, celebrating graduates who exemplify leadership, service, and significant accomplishments in their respective fields. Dr. Gan, a 1994 and 1999 graduate of the U-M Nuclear Engineering program, has made remarkable strides in advancing nuclear materials research, particularly in radiation effects in fuels and materials.
Gan has been a Directorate Fellow since 2017 and currently serves as a Scientific Lead for Advanced Characterization at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where his leadership in materials science has had a far-reaching impact on nuclear energy research. He has played a pivotal role in the development of advanced characterization capabilities essential for understanding how radiation affects materials at the microstructural level, which in turn informs improvements in fuel and structural material performance in nuclear reactors.
In his current role at INL, Gan leads advanced characterization efforts in the Characterization and Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) Division. His leadership has been instrumental in the growth of INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex and the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities like the Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory (IMCL). These capabilities allow researchers to analyze materials at the nanoscale, unlocking critical insights into how radiation-induced changes affect the durability and performance of nuclear fuels and materials.
Gan’s research has led to important advances in understanding radiation-induced material degradation, including phenomena like void swelling, intergranular cracking, and radiation-enhanced chemical interactions. His contributions have enhanced the safety, reliability, and longevity of nuclear reactor components.
Gan’s journey began with his studies at U-M, where he earned his MS and PhD in Nuclear Engineering. His time at the university laid the foundation for a career characterized by rigorous research, innovative approaches, and a passion for advancing the nuclear energy field. He also holds degrees in physics from Fudan University and Central Michigan University.
His dedication to the field of nuclear materials has earned him widespread recognition. As a member of the Expert Working Group on Innovative Structural Materials within the OECD’s Nuclear Science Committee since 2013, Dr. Gan has contributed to global efforts in advancing nuclear science and technology.
Dr. Gan’s award was formally presented at the Michigan Engineering Alumni Awards Luncheon, held on September 13, 2024. As part of the celebration, he delivered a talk at NERS, discussing the advanced characterization capabilities at INL and their critical role in supporting nuclear energy research.
His presentation, titled “Advanced Characterization Capabilities at INL,” explored how cutting-edge techniques for analyzing irradiated materials are advancing the field. Gan highlighted the importance of understanding microstructural changes in materials exposed to radiation, emphasizing the impact of these changes on both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. His work continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in nuclear materials research, contributing to safer and more efficient energy solutions for the future.
“Dr. Gan’s career has been defined by excellence across multiple areas of material science for nuclear systems. He provides an outstanding example of Leaders and Best,” said NERS Chair Todd Allen.
NERS congratulates Dr. Jian Gan on this well-deserved honor and celebrates his ongoing contributions to the field of nuclear engineering. His achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future NERS students, exemplifying the potential of a Michigan Engineering education to transform industries and drive technological advancement.