NSE - Nuclear Science & Engineering at MIT

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NSE 2023 Spotlights

Dispelling myths and winning over skeptics

NSE PhD student, Kaylee Cunningham is not the first person to notice that nuclear energy has a public relations problem. But her commitment to dispel myths about the alternative power source has earned her the moniker “Ms. Nuclear Energy” on TikTok and a devoted fan base on the social media platform.

ill Rahon in Army fatigues seated on a swivel chair in a lab with instuments and lab equipment behind her, and our of focus to the front left, MIT

Soaring high in the Army — and in research

After three deployments in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Colonel Jill Rahon is pursuing research that will help verify conformation of nuclear treaties.
female with arms crossed standing on the right side of the photo inside a building at MIT with a brick wall to the right and steel structure to the left

Optimizing construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities

Keen to accelerate the adoption of nuclear energy, Isabel Naranjo De Candido is working on methods to optimize construction and operation of production plants.
male student in red checked tshirt and jeans seated outdoors on park bench leaning forward with arms on knees with corrugated metal wall in background, MIT

Printing a new approach to fusion powerplant materials

Through research on additive manufacturing of metal-ceramic composites, the fourth-year nuclear science and engineering doctoral student, Alexander O'Brien is enabling a category of high-functioning materials that can deliver the next generation of fusion devices.
male student standing with arms folded, grid of photos of people in labs in the background, MIT

Exploring the bow shock and beyond

PhD student Rishabh Datta seeks to further understanding of astrophysical phenomena.
female leaning agains an architechtural column outdoors at MIT with left hand on hip

Winning over nuclear skeptics

Kaylee Cunningham might love nuclear engineering and computer science but recognizes that her training could be for naught if myths continue to plague the industry. The activist is committed to help &emdash; one TikTok at a time.
male in front of instruments in a lab at MIT

Understanding boiling to help the nuclear industry and space missions

Always fascinated by physics, Florian Chavagnat is propelling his love of the science to answer fundamental questions about heat transfer that will shape the success of nuclear power plants — and extended missions in space.
Female faculty member in blue dress leaning against a glass wall, MIT

Helping the cause of environmental resilience

Haruko Wainwright believes environmental monitoring can empower citizens to make informed decisions about their energy and environment.
Male faculty member in blue sweater seated in a chair in a hallway, MIT

An evolutionary shift from the local (nano) scale to the global

Eight years ago, Jacopo Buongiorno’s career took a turn from a focus on technical to a broader engagement with the global nuclear ecosystem, and there’s been no turning back.
Male student standing against an orange background, MIT

Working to make nuclear energy more competitive

Through research on high burnup fuels and improving the design of nuclear power plants, the second-year doctoral student is adopting a dual approach to addressing some of the industry’s toughest challenges.
Male research scientist Richard Lanza seated, MIT

Tribute to a hale, hardy, and accomplished fellow

Prolific, eclectic physicist Richard Lanza came to MIT in 1966 for a two-year postdoc and ended up sticking around for a while.
Female faculty member in front of lab equipment and instrumentation, MIT

Bilge Yildiz wins Rahmi M. Koç Medal of Science

Award recognizes scientists of Turkish origin younger than 50 who have made outstanding contributions to their fields.

Department of Nuclear Science & Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, 24-107 (map)
Cambridge, MA 02139
nse-info@mit.edu