08:00 – 09:00
Breakfast
09:00 – 09:15
Application of the Cohn-α Method on Bare Highly Enriched Uranium Using Organic Scintillators
Schuyler Tyler
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
Schuyler Tyler is a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. After originally obtaining a bachelor’s in
nuclear engineering at the University of New Mexico in 2023, he began working within Professor Pozzi’s nonproliferation group. His research interests include nuclear nonproliferation, detection,
and measurements. More specifically, his research is currently centered around neutron noise analysis.
nuclear engineering at the University of New Mexico in 2023, he began working within Professor Pozzi’s nonproliferation group. His research interests include nuclear nonproliferation, detection,
and measurements. More specifically, his research is currently centered around neutron noise analysis.
09:15 – 09:30
Design of a Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis Experiment for Nuclear Forensic Characterization
Brad Nethercutt
Graduate Student, Penn State University
Brad is a PhD student at Penn State who has performed research under Prof. Marek Flaska since 2021. His research focuses on identifying novel applications for epithermal neutrons, and his interests include nonproliferation, forensics, and fundamental nuclear physics. Current work involves investigating epithermal neutron prompt gamma activation analysis as a technique for non-destructive nuclear forensic characterization.
09:30 – 09:45
Gamma Background Suppression and Custom Algorithmic Development for a Portable Neutron-Resonance Transmission Analysis Device
Shayaan Subzwari
Graduate Student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Shayaan is a masters student working with Professor Areg Danagoulian at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He completed his undergraduate degree in physics and global affairs and his current research is focused on nuclear resonance transmission analysis for the portable, non-destructive detection of nuclear materials. His research interests include nonproliferation, radiation measurement and detection, and nuclear politics.
09:45 – 10:00
Comparing Timing Resolution Improvements using the Tapered-Sinc Interpolation Algorithm for Various Readout Methods
Kimberly Meagher
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Kim Meagher is an undergraduate student studying Computer Science in Engineering at the University of Michigan. She has been working with Professor Pozzi to further research radiation detection methods for nuclear nonproliferation purposes. Her interests include data science, pulse post-processing methods, and scintillator
detection.
detection.
10:00 – 10:20
Break
10:20 – 11:15
Panel: Women in Nuclear
11:15 – 11:30
Characterization and restoration of Mini-Muon Tracker imaging system
Jesus Valencia
Graduate Student, University of New Mexico
Jesus is a PhD student at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, working under Dr. Adam Hecht. His current research explores the utilization of cosmic-ray muons for tomographic reconstruction of dry-cask storage containers for spent nuclear fuel. Jesus’s contributions include developing and testing multi-dimensional image reconstruction algorithms that can be used to verify dry-cask container contents. He has also helped LANL collaborators with the preparation of their muon imaging systems for future measurements on filled dry-cask storage containers.
11:30 – 11:45
First Observation of Coherent Elastic Neutrino Nucleus Scattering on Germanium by COHERENT
Click here to view slides
Ryan Bouabid
Graduate Student, Duke University
Coherent Elastic Neutrino Nucleus Scattering is one way in which neutrinos interact with matter.
It has the potential to be a key ingredient in the broader goal of using neutrinos to monitor
nuclear reactors. My research is focused on measuring this process at the Spallation Neutron
Source at Oak Ridge National Lab, and using this experiment as a test bed for future
applications at a nuclear reactor.
It has the potential to be a key ingredient in the broader goal of using neutrinos to monitor
nuclear reactors. My research is focused on measuring this process at the Spallation Neutron
Source at Oak Ridge National Lab, and using this experiment as a test bed for future
applications at a nuclear reactor.
11:45 – 12:00
Preliminary Findings from RIMS Analysis of Spent Fuel
Henry Burns
Graduate Student, Georgia Institute of Technology
I graduated from Dartmouth College in 2019, where I received my Bachelor’s in Physics with a minor in Religious Studies. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Nuclear Engineering at Georgia Tech, where I am a recipient of the President’s Fellowship. I work as a research assistant studying the enrichment of uranium through laser excitation, and I am interested in the development of sustainable energy.
12:00 – 12:20
Even-Numbered Poster Overview Presentations (1-minute each)
12:20 – 13:35
Consortia students and national laboratory scientist meet-and-green luncheon
13:35 – 14:35
Poster Reception: Even-Numbered Posters
#2 Development of a Novel Random Coded Aperture Mask
Alexander Rice
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
Alexander Rice is a 5th year Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences researching under Professor Zhong He. Alexander is currently working to advance the multi-modality gamma-ray imaging capabilities of 3-D position-sensitive CZT detectors and design novel coded aperture masks for gamma-ray imaging. He attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering and his interests include machine learning, coded aperture imaging, nuclear nonproliferation, and medical imaging.
#4 Measurement of 254 eV Nuclear Recoils in High Purity Germanium Detector
Alex Kavner
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
Alex graduated from the University of Michigan in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Physics and Mathematics and then from the University of Chicago in 2019 with a Masters in Physics. Alex is advised by Professor Igor Jovanovic and works under Dr. Stephan Friedrich (LLNL) and Dr. Geon-Bo Kim (LLNL).
#6 Fiber-optic fluorescence measurements for PALOECCENE
Keegan Walkup
Graduate Student, Virginia Tech
Keegan Walkup is a PhD student at Virginia in the Physics of Department under the Center for Neutrino Physics. He has been working with Professor Huber on PALEOCCENE doing experimental setup work starting in late 2022. He is also researching neutrino detection with the Mobile Antineutrino Demonstrator with a focus on machine learning, energy reconstruction and simulation.
#8 Development of a High-Energy Two-Component Gamma Calibration Source
Junwoo Bae
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan
Junwoo Bae is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan in the
Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. He has been working
with Professor Jovanovic’s applied nuclear science group. His current research interest
includes design of high energy gamma ray source based on 13 C(a, n) 16 O reaction, and
digital signal processing for neutron active interrogation for nuclear security purpose.
Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. He has been working
with Professor Jovanovic’s applied nuclear science group. His current research interest
includes design of high energy gamma ray source based on 13 C(a, n) 16 O reaction, and
digital signal processing for neutron active interrogation for nuclear security purpose.
#10 Improved Time Behavior and Inventory Management to Support Nuclear Material Accounting in Cyclus
Katie Mummah
Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin
Katie is a graduate student in Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics and her research focuses on modeling the nuclear fuel cycle for nuclear nonproliferation. In her spare time, Katie is active in teaching nuclear science concepts to the general public.
#12 Characterizing filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy through highly scattering media
Leandro Frigerio
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
Leandro is a Ph.D. student at University of Michigan in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS). He works with Prof. Jovanovic in ANS group. His research is on active interrogation techniques for nuclear applications based on ultrafast optics. In particular, he is interested in the use of laser filaments to do remote sensing inducing laser plasmas, in air waveguiding effects using Laguerre-Gauss beams, and in the interaction of ultrafast pulses with real environmental conditions like fog, haze or clouds.
#14 Reactor Neutrino Calculations with CONFLUX
Anosh Irani
Graduate Student, Illinois Institute of Technology
Anosh Irani is a PhD student at Illinois Institute of Technology in the Department of Physics. He has been with Dr. Littlejohn’s neutrino group since Spring of 2021, and his current research is focused on reactor source term predictions and segmented detection technologies.
#16 How Well Do You Know Your Neutron Source? Neutron Yield of Thermo Scientific P385 D-T Neutron Generator vs. Current and Voltage
Jihye Jeon
Graduate Student, Princeton University
Jihye is a PhD student at Princeton University, working with Professor Alexander Glaser. Prior to coming to Princeton, Jihye worked at the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC), analyzing international nuclear safeguards and security policy. Jihye graduated from Seoul National University with a BS in Nuclear Engineering and a BA in English Language and Literature, and from Sejong University with an MS in Nuclear Engineering focused on radiation measurement and applications. Her research interests are in developing verification technologies for arms control treaties. She is also interested in radiation detection application for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation purposes.
#18 Potential Applications of Microbial Genomics in Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Isis Fukai
Graduate Student, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Isis Fukai is an Energy Science and Engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Tennessee. She’s currently working with Dr. Terry Hazen on characterization of microbial genomic signatures in nuclear environments to support nonproliferation safeguards, monitoring technologies, and contaminant mitigation strategies for the nuclear industry.
#20 Atmospheric properties influence on propagating Lamb waves from Tonga eruption
Shirin Wyckoff
Graduate Student, University of Hawaiʻi
Shirin is a second year Master’s student at University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. She works with Milton Garces on the 2022 Tonga submarine volcanic eruption and the atmospheric properties that influence the propagating Lamb waves. She has a B.S. in Astrophysics from University of Hawaiʻi.
#22 Listening for Radiation Spectra: A Flexible Radiation Surveying System Based upon Sound Card Spectrometry and Open-source Coding on a Single-Board Computer
Caleb Bush
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Caleb Bush is an undergraduate senior at the University of Michigan in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. He has been researching under Dr. Kim Kearfott in the Radiological Health Engineering Laboratory for the past year, and his interests
include radiation detection, measurements, and imaging. His current research has focused on the design of affordable radiation measurement systems.
include radiation detection, measurements, and imaging. His current research has focused on the design of affordable radiation measurement systems.
#24 A WiFi-based Radiation Emulation System Designed for Testing Intelligent Radiation Surveying
Hythem Beydoun
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Hythem Beydoun is an undergraduate sophomore at the University of Michigan majoring in electrical engineering. He currently works under Professor Kearfott in the Radiological Health Engineering Lab, focusing on the development of Intelligent Radiation Awareness Drones (IRADs). His primary interest is in the application of electronics, robotics, and additive manufacturing to various fields. He holds a specific interest in marine robotics and technology.
#26 Fused Filament Fabrication in a Radiation Detection and Protection Makerspace
Callissa Clarkson
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Callissa Clarkson is an undergraduate freshman studying Aerospace Engineering at the
University of Michigan. She works with Professor Kearfott in the Radiation Health Engineering
Laboratory. Her primary interests are in structural design and aerodynamics.
University of Michigan. She works with Professor Kearfott in the Radiation Health Engineering
Laboratory. Her primary interests are in structural design and aerodynamics.
#28 Aerial Mapping of Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Using Open-Source Software
Clay Hudson
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Clay Hudson is a sophomore at University of Michigan, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. He works with Professor Kearfott in the Radiological Health Engineering lab (RHElab). His research interests include open-source software, unmanned aerial vehicle operation, and radiation mapping.
#30 Preliminary Design of a 3D-Printed Airframe for an Intelligent Radiation Awareness Drone
Kabir Khwaja
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Kabir Khwaja is a junior studying at the University of Michigan, majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He is interested in sustainability, additive manufacturing, and computational models and
#32 Reconstruction of Mock Fuel Pins in a Fast Neutron Emission Tomography Imager for Spent Nuclear Fuel Verification
Mairead Montague
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan
Dr. Mairead E. Montague is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan in Dr. Sara Pozzi’s research group. Mairead completed her PhD in nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in January of 2024, where she performed in-residence research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 5 years. Mairead’s PhD research involved constructing and testing a fast neutron imager designed to image full spent nuclear fuel assemblies after their removal from a reactor. The neutron images have the potential to identify single missing or replaced fuel rods in an assembly and potentially determine neutron source strength and burn up of individual fuel pins. Her dissertation title was “Characterization of a Proof-of-Concept Imager to Safeguard Spent Nuclear Fuel Using Passive Fast Neutron Emission Tomography.” Mairead also received her MS in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in December of 2019 and her BS in nuclear engineering in May 2024 from the University of California, Berkeley.
#34 Propagation of Acoustic Waves from the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule during Re-entry
Sarah Popenhagen
Graduate Student, University of Hawaiʻi
Sarah is a fourth-year PhD student researching under Dr. Milton Garcés at the University of
Hawai’i at Mānoa. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physics with a concentration in
geophysics at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2020. Her current research is
focused on airborne collection of infrasound signals, acoustic signatures of rocket launch
sequences, acoustic wave propagation, and machine learning methods.
Hawai’i at Mānoa. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physics with a concentration in
geophysics at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2020. Her current research is
focused on airborne collection of infrasound signals, acoustic signatures of rocket launch
sequences, acoustic wave propagation, and machine learning methods.
#36 Three-Dimensional Printing for Radiation Applications using Tungsten-filled Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Yehansa Dissanayake
Undergraduate Student, University of Michigan
Yehansa Dissanayake is an undergraduate freshman at the University of Michigan majoring in Robotics with an interest in minoring in Nuclear Engineering. She works with Dr. Kimberlee Kearfott at the Radiological Health Engineering Laboratory to explore the use of Fused Filament Fabrication with Tungsten for radiation applications.
#38 Nuclear Forensics Sample Identification with Magnetic Microcalorimeters
Ryan Wood
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
My focus is on utilizing Magnetic Microcalorimeters (MMCs), cryogenic detectors with exceptional energy resolution, for nuclear nonproliferation and security. By accurately identifying alpha-emitting isotopes, particularly actinides like plutonium and uranium, MMCs offer a powerful tool for safeguarding against nuclear proliferation, with applications in safeguards and nuclear forensics.
14:35 – 14:50
The First Search for Neutrino-Induced Nuclear Fission
Tyler Johnson
Graduate Student, Duke University
My research centers around kinematic reconstruction of the originating
direction of the neutrino using inverse beta decay products; a principle we coined as “neutrino telescopy.” For my graduate research, I will develop a small-scale time projection chamber neutrino detector capable of extracting neutrino directionality by reconstructing inverse beta decay products with machine learning.
direction of the neutrino using inverse beta decay products; a principle we coined as “neutrino telescopy.” For my graduate research, I will develop a small-scale time projection chamber neutrino detector capable of extracting neutrino directionality by reconstructing inverse beta decay products with machine learning.
14:50 – 15:05
Visualizing Particle Imaging using the HoloLens 2
Ricardo Lopez
Graduate Student, University of Michigan
Ricardo Lopez is a Ph. D. student researching under Dr. Sara Pozzi at the University of Michigan. He completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Ricardo began his Ph. D. studies in 2021 at the Defense for Nuclear Nonproliferation Group. His current research area is particle imaging of both neutrons and gamma rays and mixed-reality data visualization.
15:05 – 15:20
Pushing the Bounds of Minimal-Access Robotic Inspections with Privacy-Preserving Absence Confirmation
Eric Lepowsky
Graduate Student, Princeton University
Eric Lepowsky is a Ph.D. candidate and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, where he is a member of the Program on Science and Global Security and advised by Professor Alexander Glaser. Eric’s research primarily focuses on the application of robotics to radiation detection in support of nuclear nonproliferation and arms control verification; he has also contributed to the development of a gamma ray-based method for confirming the absence of nuclear warheads.
15:20 – 16:00