Students

Taylor Hampson, masters student in MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering is modeling the behavior of an unconventional rocket engine that will heat propellant using nuclear energy.

Recognizing that nuclear waste continues to be a bottleneck in the widespread use of nuclear energy, NSE doctoral student, Dauren Sarsenbayev, is developing models that explore how to address the problem.

PhD student Miranda Schwacke works with Prof Bilge Yildiz to explore how computing inspired by the human brain can fuel energy-efficient artificial intelligence.

In a new study, Mingda Li and MIT researchers evaluated quantum materials’ potential for scalable commercial success — and identified promising candidates.

Doctoral student, Marco Graffiedi, is researching quenching processes to help cool nuclear cores and NASA craft the next generation of space vehicles.

NSE graduate students at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Audrey DeVault and Bryan Foo, are recipients of highly competitive Department of Energy fellowships that support emerging leaders in high-energy density physics and nuclear science.

Professor Zachary Hartwig, who exemplifies a rare but powerful kind of mentorship — one grounded not just in intellectual excellence, but in deep personal care, is honored as “Committed to Caring.”

Forty-four NSE students graduate this year in the MIT’s commencement ceremony on May 29th.

NSE and the student chapter of the American Nuclear Society hosted their annual awards dinner on May 13, 2025