Jordan Noey receives Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award
This recognition highlights Jordan’s exceptional commitment and excellence in teaching, reflecting his passion for education and academic leadership.
Jordan Noey, a graduate student in the U-M Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) has been honored with the prestigious Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award. This recognition highlights his exceptional commitment and excellence in teaching, reflecting his passion for education and academic leadership.
The Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Awards are bestowed upon graduate students who exhibit extraordinary dedication and proficiency as teachers. Nominations for these awards are driven by faculty members who identify candidates demonstrating the highest levels of commitment, creativity, and proficiency in the classroom.
Originally from Midland, MI, Jordan initially intended to pursue a degree in chemical engineering but found his passion redirected towards nuclear engineering upon exposure to new fields during his undergraduate studies here at the University. He completed his BSE in Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, with minors in Mathematics and Physics in Winter 2018. Building upon this foundation, he pursued a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in the same field, graduating in Winter 2021.
Under the guidance of his PhD advisor, Prof. Kim Kearfott, Jordan conducts his research in the Radiological Health Engineering (RHE) Laboratory. His research endeavors encompass diverse projects, including characterizing activated materials for unrestricted release in low-energy heavy-ion facilities and uncertainty quantification on the minimum detectable dose in thermoluminescent dosimeters. Jordan employs advanced simulation techniques such as Monte Carlo simulations to investigate various aspects of radiation interactions and dosimetry.
“Jordan Noey is a remarkable student whose dedication to teaching and research is truly outstanding,” said Kearfott. “His passion for education shines through in his commitment to excellence as a graduate student instructor. Jordan’s ability to engage students and convey complex concepts with clarity reflects his innate talent for teaching. His contributions to our department, both in the classroom and in his research endeavors, exemplify his drive for academic leadership and innovation. It’s been a privilege to work alongside Jordan, and I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his future endeavors.”
Jordan’s involvement with NERS extends beyond his research endeavors. As a graduate student instructor, he contributes to the instruction of courses such as NERS 484 and 586, covering fundamental health physics concepts, applied detection methods, and complex dose assessment problems. Additionally, he actively participates in outreach activities and engages with the NERS community through colloquia and informal gatherings. Apart from his academic pursuits, Jordan enjoys crafting coffee drinks as a barista, playing games, reading, and spending quality time with his family.
Regarding his future aspirations, Jordan expressed a wide array of interests, ranging from academia to government entities and industrial settings. He aims to leverage his expertise in health physics to contribute meaningfully to teaching, research, or operational roles, driven by the abundant opportunities within the field.
“I would like to thank Prof. Kim Kearfott for her continued support in my research and teaching endeavors and Dr. Rick Whitman for his continued encouragement along my academic journey,” said Jordan. “I want to thank the NERS for being a great community for performing research in, interacting with others, and being an inclusive environment to all. I hope I can continue to do great work for the betterment of the department. Lastly, I want to thank my family for supporting my education, especially my daughter Ellen for being a great baby while I finish my degree.”
Jordan’s achievements and dedication to academic excellence exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration within NERS. His recognition with the Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award serves as a testament to his commitment to advancing education and research in the field of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences.