We recently received notification of renewal of the operating license for the Purdue University Reactor Number One, or PUR-1. The Facility Operating License, issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, enables the reactor to operate for teaching, research, and public outreach through November 2036.

We also welcomed Dr. Janelle Wharry as a tenure track Assistant Professor. Dr. Wharry received her PhD, MSE, and BSE from the University of Michigan. She brings to Purdue her extensive experience studying the effects of irradiation on materials using a range of microscopy techniques, multiscale mechanical testing techniques, and computational models.

I would like to acknowledge the achievements of our outstanding faculty, students, and staff, many of whom have been recognized for their excellence in academics, research, and community service. These achievements reflect on the excellence of the School of Nuclear Engineering and our commitment to making an impact – not only at Purdue, but in our local community and around the globe.

Just to mention a few achievements: Two of our faculty– Dr. Shripad Revankar and Dr. Allen Garner – were granted patents this year. Dr. Hany Abdel-Khalik and Dr. Won Sik Yang were awarded significant grants from the Department of Energy, Nuclear Engineering University Program (NEUP). The Office of the Provost recognized Dr. Takashi Hibiki for completing 10 years of service to the university.  

Also, our students continue to receive recognition for their academic and research efforts. The Senior Design Team of Phillip Dressman, Abhijit Jassem, Trevor Kyle, Ryan Nicholson, Sara Sanders and Dylan Toneff, mentored by Dr. Chan Choi, was selected as finalists and presented their research in the undergraduate category at the 2016 ANS Winter Meeting and Nuclear Technology Expo, and two of our undergraduates were part of the winning team at the 2016 Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp. Two of our students, Victoria Noe-Kim and Trevor Kyle, were presented with the 2015-2016 Outstanding Senior Award. We are proud of these and the many other successes earned by our students.

I am also pleased to report that the search for the next Head of the School of Nuclear Engineering is progressing well. Several candidates were recently interviewed on campus.

As we reflect on 2016, we are grateful for your continued interest in the School of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue. As always, we appreciate your feedback and want to hear your news. We welcome your visit to Purdue, and would be proud to show you the exciting things happening in the School of Nuclear Engineering!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!

Klod Kokini

Interim Head of Nuclear Engineering,
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
College of Engineering