Michael Hua, a recent graduate of the U-M Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) Ph.D. program, has received the 2021 Glenn F. Knoll Graduate Educational Grant. The award is given by the Nuclear & Plasma Sciences Society (NPSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and recognizes contributions to the fields of nuclear and plasma science by a graduate student. The grant is intended to support travel and attendance to conferences, workshops or summer schools, or special research projects.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the IEEE NPSS, particularly given its namesake’s legendary career here at the University of Michigan,” said Hua. “I look forward to using the grant to perform independent research and present at an upcoming IEEE NPSS conference.”

Hua received his B.S.E. in 2018 and his M.S.E. in 2020, both in Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences from NERS. He established U-M’s student branch of the IEEE NPSS and is involved in numerous outreach efforts for elementary, middle, and high school students. 

Hua researches neutron noise measurements for nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards, criticality safety, and fundamental data. In addition to being a fellow of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program for his Ph.D. studies, he is an associate of the Consortium for Verification Technology, and the Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification.

“Michael Hua has excelled in the doctoral program in NERS, both in terms of original research performed, with an outstanding number of peer-reviewed journal publications, and student mentoring,” said Hua’s advisor, Prof. Sara Pozzi. “The Glenn Knoll Award will enable Michael to perform and disseminate exciting, new research.”

Hua is currently a Fusion Scientist at Helion Energy and a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow of the Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification.