Unveiling The Spirit of Nuclear
The NERS Mural, a collaborative creation between NERS 250 students and Michigan-based artist Devin J. Wright, can now be viewed in the tunnel connecting the Cooley Building and the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project.
Last week, NERS proudly unveiled its latest artistic venture, The Spirit of Nuclear, a mural symbolizing the synergy between art and science. The mural, which adorns the tunnel connecting the Cooley Building and the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project, serves as a powerful visual representation of the department’s rich history and groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear engineering. Designed by Michigan-based artist Devin J. Wright, this vibrant artwork is a product of interdisciplinary collaboration, combining creativity with scientific exploration.
“To me, The Spirit of Nuclear represents rebirth and transformation,” said Wright. “Just like the Phoenix Memorial Project was launched decades ago in an effort to change the heart behind nuclear research, I hope that this mural lightens the mood and serves as a humble catalyst for transformation in the department. Following a secondary theme of hidden complexity, I tried to pack this mural with symbolism—drawing inspiration from both the history of the department and as much student feedback as I could.”
The unveiling ceremony was a celebration of this unique integration of the arts into the scientific environment. Faculty, students, and staff gathered to witness the culmination of months of collaborative effort. As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community, the mural project is one of several initiatives aimed at harmonizing artistic expression within the department’s scientific pursuits.
Located in a highly trafficked tunnel, the mural is more than a piece of decoration. It serves as a daily reminder of the creativity and collaboration that define the NERS department. Students were not passive observers in the creation of the mural; their active involvement was central to its development. The project was integrated into NERS 250: Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage with the artistic process. Through questionnaires, group discussions with both Wright and Josh Rainer, another Michigan-based artist, and concept development workshops, students helped shape the mural’s final design. Their insights, gathered over several months, informed the direction of the mural and reflected their collective vision for how nuclear engineering could be represented through art.
This engagement speaks to the broader aim of the project: to bridge the gap between engineering and the arts, fostering a deeper understanding of both fields. The mural symbolizes not only NERS’ rich scientific legacy but also its forward-looking commitment to innovation and creativity. Wright’s design captures the department’s spirit, showcasing the contributions of students, researchers, and faculty to the world of nuclear science.
The project is a collaboration between U-M NERS and the U-M Arts Initiative. Wright and Rainer worked closely with students and faculty to ensure that the mural was not only aesthetically striking but also resonated with the scientific and academic culture of the department.
“I knew part of my vision as chair would be to re-establish the department’s connection to its origins within the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project and also to instill in our students the vital role of creativity in engineering,” said NERS Chair Todd Allen. “This mural, showcasing the rich history of NERS, stands as a daily reminder for our students, aiding me in achieving both objectives.”The Spirit of Nuclear can be viewed in the tunnel connecting the Cooley Building and the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project.