John Lee teaches course at Seoul National University
NERS Professor Emeritus John Lee taught a course in nuclear fuel cycle at his alma mater.
Professor John C. Lee, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, recently had the honor of sharing profound expertise at his alma mater, Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea. The course was a six-week segment of a graduate course on the advanced nuclear fuel cycle during the spring semester of 2023. This opportunity extended to Lee stood as a testament to his remarkable legacy and the enduring impact that he has had on the field of nuclear engineering.
The invitation to teach was part of a multi-year research grant bestowed upon the SNU Nuclear Engineering Department. This grant delved into the intricacies of the nuclear fuel cycle and used fuel management under the guidance of Professor Sungyeol Choi, the project director. Professor Choi’s vision laid the foundation for a comprehensive 14-week course that explored fuel cycles for pivotal advanced reactor designs. Among them were the sodium-cooled fast reactor, the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, and the molten salt reactor.
For Professor Lee, this teaching stint at his alma mater held a profound significance, marking a full circle in his illustrious career. Sixty years after his graduation from the university, he imparted his knowledge and wisdom to 30 SNU graduate students. Lee integrated select chapters from his recent book, Nuclear Reactor Physics and Engineering, (Wiley 2020), into his teaching approach. This material was further enhanced by advanced fuel cycle concepts and used fuel management issues, drawing from the reservoir of knowledge accumulated during his recent service on the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) committee .
The classroom was not the only platform where Lee shared his knowledge. He also reflected on conclusions drawn from his tenure on the NAS committee at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Following the formal presentations, informal discussions blossomed. Professor Lee, with his characteristic warmth and erudition, fielded questions, shared anecdotes, and kindled the flames of curiosity in the hearts of those in attendance.