The one-year grant is funded by ORAU with $5,000 and the winner’s institution is required to match it with at least an additional $5,000.

Wharry will utilize the award to develop a miniaturized approach for testing the ductility of irradiated steels. Ductility is one of the most critical parameters of reactor structural components, as irradiation-induced changes in ductility can drastically reduce operating safety margins. But measuring ductility of irradiated materials is usually done in hot cells, which is expensive and time-consuming. Wharry’s group has been developing miniaturized mechanical testing methods that can be used outside of hot cells. These methods will cut the cost and time associated with ductility testing.

The ORAU Award enables Wharry’s team to collaborate with researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), who will provide irradiated materials for Wharry and her students to test. “This award helps us strengthen our collaborations with ORNL, helps students build their professional network with ORNL, and it really complements our ongoing research,” Wharry said.  “Receiving this recognition was a surprise, and I am humbled and thankful for ORAU’s belief in my research and support of my career development.”

Since the program’s inception, ORAU has awarded more than $3.3 million in grants, which includes the matching funds from the recipients’ institutions.