Hands-on reactor research experience for students
Collaboration with Ohio State strengthens ties between institutions working to bolster U.S. nuclear expertise
Nuclear engineering students at the University of Michigan conducted experiments at The Ohio State University’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, providing them direct engagement with a functioning reactor.
The hands-on experiments, led by U-M faculty, allowed students from two courses to explore neutron activation analysis and reactor startup and calibration. The program, which runs through 2027, is funded by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Sharing Grant.
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“This is a unique opportunity for our students to experience what they learn in great depth in our classes—a working nuclear reactor and the use of the radiation it produces for nuclear analytical purposes,” said Igor Jovanovic, professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, who led one of the student groups.
Since U-M’s Ford Nuclear Reactor closed in 2003, Professor Brendan Kochunas and his team have developed a Virtual Ford Nuclear Reactor, enabling students to simulate reactor operations online.
The partnership will integrate reactor data into coursework and strengthen ties between Michigan and Ohio State, supporting nuclear education and research.
This is an AI-generated, human-verified summary of the article NERS students gain hands-on reactor experience by Sara Norman.