Pennsylvania State University’s faculty development grant for sensor development and control methods in nuclear power plants

Nuclear energy has been shown to be a clean, safe, reliable and cost effective source of energy which will be needed to fulfill the portfolio of energy resources. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to having a prominent Nuclear Engineering Program with a strong emphasis in nuclear power, which is in part a reflection of its history but is primarily because of the industry demand for the nuclear engineers graduating from Penn State’s program. The Nuclear Engineering Program is an academic program offering the full range of degrees that is housed within the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. The Program has strong support throughout the institution including that of the College of Engineering. Moreover, there is statewide interest given the many nuclear power plants in the Commonwealth and the presence of industries related to the field. The Nuclear Engineering Program has the unique advantage of coexisting in a Department with an equally strong Mechanical Engineering Program, which is critical to the success of this proposal given the strong interdisciplinary nature of the proposed effort. This proposal seeks start-up funds for a new, junior level, tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering (MNE) who has expertise in control methods and sensor development that is relevant to nuclear power plants. The hire will have a significant impact on our ability to conduct research and educate students in areas of nuclear power that are of crucial interest to the Commonwealth and to the nation. Support from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which in part is matched by the institution, will provide a platform for the integration of interdisciplinary 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 and the College of Engineering 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 academic strength of our programs; the ability to collaborate within the department, College and university; our strong mentoring program; and the quality of students available