Pennsylvania State University Faculty Development Grant for Advanced Nuclear Power Technology

As the world's energy demands increase and the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels become clearer, the need for producing energy with clean, carbon-free sources is paramount. Renewable sources and energy conservation will be important contributors to the future energy portfolio; however, it is clear that both nationally and globally nuclear power will be a key component in many nations' energy portfolios. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to having a prominent Nuclear Engineering Program with an emphasis in nuclear power. It is one of only a few nuclear engineering programs that have a strong emphasis in nuclear power, which is in part a reflection of its history but primarily because of the large industry demand for the nuclear engineers graduating from Penn State's program. The Nuclear Engineering Program, within the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, has strong support throughout the institution including that of the College of Engineering and from the Vice President of Research through Penn State's Institutes of Energy and the Environment (PSIEE). Moreover, there is statewide interest in nuclear power given the presence of industries related to the field including Westinghouse, one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This proposal seeks start-up funds for a new junior faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering (MNE) who has expertise in fields related to nuclear power. The hire will have a significant impact on our ability to conduct research and educate students in areas of crucial interest to the Commonwealth and to the nation, namely nuclear power. Support from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which in part is matched by the institution, will provide a platform for integration of multi-disciplinary research, innovation, and teaching in the area of advanced nuclear power technologies. The new faculty member will be a focal point for collaboration of existing faculty in the MNE Department, the College of Engineering, and PSIEE who are already working on topics related to nuclear power. Penn State will provide an ideal environment for a junior faculty member to be successful given the strengths of our nuclear engineering program.