Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

09/03/2026

Michigan Engineering alumni, Homecoming weekend is October 16–17! North Campus will be buzzing with ways to reconnect, reminisce, and see what’s happening at Michigan Engineering.

Meet current students, catch up with fellow Wolverines, hear from college leaders — including the new Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, Mingyan Liu — and celebrate game-day weekend with the Engineering community.

Pull out your maize and blue and make plans to join us!

View the full schedule and register: https://homecoming.engin.umich.edu/college-wide-events/

09/02/2026

A new special issue of Nuclear Technology grew out of the 2024 International Symposium on Sociotechnical Research on Nuclear Technology, “Phoenix Project: From Kikuchi to Fastest Path,” hosted by NERS.

The issue brings together research examining the technical, social, political, economic, and historical dimensions of nuclear energy.

NERS researchers Aditi Verma, Todd Allen, Sebastian Javier Lecha, and Katie Snyder are among the co-authors of the issue’s introduction, while So-Bin Cho and Xiaodong Sun also contributed scholarship to the collection.

Research emerging from the 2024 “Phoenix Project: From Kikuchi to Fastest Path” symposium explores the intertwined technical and social challenges shaping nuclear energy’s future.

09/01/2026

Researchers from around the world gathered at the University of Michigan for the 2026 High Energy Density Summer School (HEDSS).

Hosted by NERS, the intensive 10-day program introduced graduate students and early-career scientists to the fundamentals of high-energy-density physics through lectures from leading experts, facility tours, and opportunities to connect with the broader HED community.

Participants also had the opportunity to explore Michigan's world-class research facilities, including ZEUS, one of the world's most powerful laser systems.

Read more:

Graduate students and early-career scientists explored the fundamentals of high-energy-density physics through an immersive 10-day program hosted by the University of Michigan.

08/25/2026

Please join us in welcoming Kyle Hartig to the NERS faculty!

Hartig joins the department as an associate professor, bringing expertise in nuclear security, nonproliferation, nuclear forensics, radiation detection, and remote sensing technologies.

The associate professor's research advances nuclear security through remote sensing, radiation detection, nuclear forensics, and nonproliferation technologies.

08/20/2026

Michigan Engineering and Ross School of Business are launching the Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Dual Degree Program, and our own professor Y Z will serve as the inaugural faculty director. Y Z brings extensive interdisciplinary experience to the role.

The NERS professor will help guide the academic vision of the University of Michigan Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) Dual Degree Program.

08/20/2026

NERS is part of DELIGHT, a new $4.5 million NSF six-institution collaboration to develop the advanced diagnostics needed to measure experiments with the world's most powerful lasers.

NERS professor Alexander Thomas is leading U-M's project, developing virtual diagnostics and simulation tools that will help researchers better understand ultra-intense laser-plasma experiments and maximize the capabilities of the NSF ZEUS laser facility.

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Alexander Thomas leads U-M’s effort in six-institution collaboration to improve measurements for ultra-intense laser science.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to NERS Associate Professor Martha Matuszak, who has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)!

The FASTRO designation recognizes sustained achievement and service to ASTRO, the field of radiation oncology, and patient care. Matuszak is one of just 39 physicians, medical physicists, and scientists selected for the honor this year.

Matuszak holds a joint appointment in NERS, where her work connects nuclear engineering, radiation science, and medical physics.

The NERS associate professor was recognized as a Fellow of the American Society for Radiation Oncology for service to the society and contribution to the field.

08/13/2026

AI is transforming nuclear engineering, and NERS is launching a new concentration in U-M's AI+ Engineering master's and graduate certificate programs beginning Fall 2027.

Enrollment now open for University of Michigan Engineering AI+ Engineering master's and grad certificate programs with a NERS concentration.

08/13/2026

Congratulations to NERS Interim Chair Xiaodong Sun on being elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)!

ASME Fellow, the Society’s highest membership grade, recognizes significant contributions to the engineering profession.

Sun’s research advances nuclear reactor thermal hydraulics and safety, from two-phase flow and heat transfer to thermal-hydraulic systems for advanced reactors.

This latest recognition makes Sun a Fellow of both ASME and the American Nuclear Society.

Read more:

The NERS interim chair was recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for his contributions to the engineering profession.

08/12/2026

🎓Meet new NERS PhD Peter G. Hotvedt!

Hotvedt’s doctoral research focused on improving the accuracy of high-energy photon measurements using 3D-CZT detectors, with potential applications in radiation imaging and nuclear security. Next, Hotvedt will join MH3D Inc. as a senior scientist, developing CdZnTe-based detectors for medical imaging applications.

Congratulations, Dr. Hotvedt!

Hotvedt researches high-energy photon imaging to improve the accuracy and capabilities of radiation detection systems.