Graduate students may choose from a wide range of integrated research and instructional programs that span nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, including advanced nuclear power plants, nuclear safety applications, advanced fuel cycles, radiation effects, advanced materials, plasma science and engineering, medical and health applications, and national security applications.
Students will be assigned an advisor when they first join the graduate program. However, this assignment is tentative, and students should not be reluctant to change advisors once they have come to understand how their interests mesh with those of the various faculty members in the department. For students carrying out graduate research, the research supervisor is also their academic advisor. Before registering for a future term, the student must discuss courses with the advisor.
The Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory is part of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) in Michigan Engineering, with the primary purpose of advancing the understanding of ion-solid interactions by providing unique and extensive facilities to support both research and development in the field. Photo: Josep Xu, Michigan Engineering
Fission systems and radiation transport are the keys to the hearts of nuclear reactors. Knowledge of these areas is important for designing advanced reactors and better fuel. The program encompasses some of the most exciting and challenging work in technology today.
The Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory is part of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) in the Michigan Engineering, with the primary purpose of advancing the understanding of ion-solid interactions by providing unique and extensive facilities to support both research and development in the field. Photo: Joseph Xu, Michigan Engineering
Understanding how radiation affects materials is crucial for developing better materials for building nuclear reactor components and for maintaining existing reactors as they age.
Todd Allen, Professor and Chair, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
Michael Atzmon Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor, Materials Sciences and Engineering
Fei Gao Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Lu-Min Wang Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor, Materials Sciences and Engineering
Gary Was Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor, Materials Sciences and Engineering, Walter J. Weber, Jr. Professor of Sustainable Energy, Environmental and Earth Systems Engineering
NERS Professor Zhong He’s lab develops detectors to detect gamma rays (high energy units of light), which allow for both monitoring and detection in various circumstances, from leaks in radiation in power plants to surreptitious shipments of dangerous radioactive material over borders. Photo: Joseph Xu, Michigan Engineering
While radiation measurements and imaging are important in medical diagnostics and nuclear power plant settings, they are of increasing interest to governments seeking to keep weapons-grade nuclear materials out of the hands of terrorists and rogue states.
The plasma water purification setup. The glowing plasma sends out electrons that temporarily break the water apart into hydrogen and hydroxide. The hydroxide attacks contaminants in the water, completely breaking down some industrial dyes. Photo: Joseph Xu, Michigan Engineering
Plasmas have a range of potential applications, from space propulsion to water purification. Researchers at U-M continue to make progress on the challenges of igniting and controlling nuclear fusion.
John E. Foster, Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
Ronald M. Gilgenbach, Professor and Chair, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Director, Plasma, Pulsed Power and Microwave Lab
Karl M. Krushelnick, Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Professor, Physics, Director of the Center for Ultrafast Optical Sciences
Carolyn Kuranz, Associate Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
Mark J. Kushner, Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Y.Y. Lau Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
Ryan D. McBride, Associate Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
Alexander Thomas, Associate Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences