Post Doctoral Research Associate

(He/Him/His)

coxea3@vcu.edu

Alex has wandered through mathematics and physical sciences to find purpose working on high fidelity simulations of electrodynamic materials and machines. He earned a double bachelor’s degree in applied math and astrophysics from the University of Rhode Island (URI) in 2016, followed by a MS focused on chaotic dynamical systems from URI in 2019. Alex then went on to study computational quantum field theory at Old Dominion University, earning a second MS in 2021. In 2022, Alex transitioned to the field of Accelerator sciences; he performed doctoral research in design and optimization of particle accelerator configurations and correction protocols with the Center for Advanced Studies of Accelerators (CASA) at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab).

Alex has regularly displayed his work at the annual International Particle Accelerator Conference (IPAC), as well as given seminars and spoken to workshops at JLab.

Alex is now continuing to grow his expertise, working with the FAST research group at VCU, where he is gaining experience modeling conductive fluids and other electrodynamic materials in support of nuclear technologies.

Alex spends his free time running, rock climbing, and loving on his perfect cat, Quizzle.

Graduate Research Assistant

(She/Her/Hers)

breedenwd@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Advancing Capabilities for Natural Circulation within Molten Salt Loops supporting the

• UT-Austin Digital Twin Project (UT-TRIDENT) (Co-Lead)

Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• Nuclear Engineering Intern, Newport News Shipyard - Summer 2023

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth

• University, Expected Graduation Date 2030

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2025

Bio:

Wendy Breeden is a graduate from the Virginia Commonwealth University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering. She is originally from Chesterfield, Virginia, where her interest in the nuclear industry was piqued due to the closeness of the VC Summer Nuclear Power Plant. She has previously interned at Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, VA in the Reactor Services Department. She attends Virginia Commonwealth University and pursues her Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, focusing on sensor development.

Wendy is an active member of the American Nuclear Society chapter at VCU. She enjoys spending her free time playing video games or building and painting mecha model kits.

Graduate Research Assistant

(She/Her/Hers)

brownan2@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Heat Generation and Cooling of Medical Isotopes Production 0-D Modelling and 3D CFD Modelling (Lead)

• MSETF-TRITIUM: Modular Separate Effects Test Facility - Tritium Removal Investigation of Transport Interactions Using Mass-Transfer (Supporting)

• Flow Imaging of Flow Straighteners using PEPT/CT (Supporting)

• Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (2025)

• HII: Newport News Shipbuilding (2024)

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Graduation Date 2030

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Minors in Physics and Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, May 2025

Bio:

Autumn Brown is a recent graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. She is from Herndon, Virginia, and grew up with a fascination with telescopes and space travel. Many pieces of media, including Star Trek and Star Wars, influenced her fascination with new worlds and the further beyond. She has previously interned at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, as a mechanical and packaging engineer for the Dragonfly project. She enjoys spending her time sewing her own clothes, knitting, catching up on Critical Role, and playing with her roommate’s two cats.

Graduate Research Assistant

(They/Them/Theirs)

chutm2@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Statistical Learning Based Multiscale Safety Analysis Framework for Advanced Reactors (Lead)

• Modular Power Fluidics and Online Optical Spectroscopy for Reprocessing Plant control and Accountancy (Lead)

• Flow Visualization of a Flow Conditioner/Straightener Using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) and X-Ray Computed Tomography (Co-Lead)

• Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• Graduate Research Assistant, Argonne National Laboratory Summer 2022

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Graduation Date 2026

• Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023

• Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics, James Madison University, 2020

Bio:

Teddy Chu is currently a Ph. D candidate in mechanical and nuclear engineering attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.  They attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, earning a BS in physics and mathematics in 2020, and a MS in mechanical and nuclear engineering from VCU in 2023.  Their interest in nuclear science started at a young age, and has continued to grow from his previous experiences as an undergraduate research assistant in nuclear astrophysics and interning with Argonne National Laboratory in the Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems division.  With the FAST Research Group, they focus on using computational fluid dynamics in thermal flow analysis towards improving advanced reactor safety analysis and experimentation of modular power fluidic loops for reprocessing plant control.

Teddy is an active member of the American Nuclear Society chapter at VCU.  They enjoy spending their free time walking around the city, listening to new music or podcasts, trying out new coffee shops, or staying at home to knit and crochet.  

Graduate Research Assistant 

(He/Him/His)

franklint2@vcu.edu

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) Fellow & Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Fellow

Project(s):

• Gathering expertise On Vibration ImpaKt In Nuclear power Generation (GOVIKING)

• Viability of a Molten Salt Liquid Immersion Breeder Blanket System for Heat Removal and Power

• Software for Advanced Large-scale Analysis of MAgnetic confinement for Numerical Design, Engineering & Research (SALAMANDER)

• Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• Graduate Research Assistant, Argonne National Laboratory, Summer 2026

• Computational Frameworks Intern, Idaho National Laboratory, Summer 2025

• Computational Frameworks Intern, Idaho National Laboratory, Summer 2024

• Computational Frameworks Intern, Idaho National Laboratory, Summer 2023

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, expected 2028

• Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2025

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering Double Major in Physics and Minor in Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023

Bio:

Trevor Franklin is a PhD candidate at VCU working toward his doctorate in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. He began his PhD in 2023 and previously completed his undergraduate studies at VCU, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering with a nuclear concentration and physics, along with a minor in mathematics. Trevor is originally from Virginia, where his early interest in engineering and physics developed through his classes at Landstown Highschool Governor's STEM Academy in Virginia Beach. Trevor has completed internships at Idaho National Laboratory, where he worked on computational frameworks and high-performance computing applications for nuclear engineering. Finally, Trevor has an upcoming internship in the Summer of 2026 working in the Nek5000/NekRS group.

At VCU, Trevor focuses on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for nuclear safety applications. His research centers on fluid-induced vibrations in cross-flow tube bundles as part of the Go-VIKING project, with the goal of supporting safe lifetime extensions of operating nuclear reactors. He uses advanced simulation tools such as Nek5000 and NekRS to perform large-scale simulations, analyze turbulent flow behavior, and generate data for comparison with experimental campaigns. His work also involves coupling multiphysics tools and contributing to the development and validation of next-generation simulation capabilities for both fission and fusion systems through high fidelity and system level modeling. In his free time, Trevor enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee for VCU’s club team, golfing, and playing with his miniature dachshund Leo. 

Graduate Research Assistant

(He/Him/His)

houstonjw@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Flow Visualization of a Flow Conditioner/Straightener Using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) and X-Ray Computed Tomography (Co-Lead)

• Advancing Capabilities for Natural Circulation within Molten Salt Loops supporting the UT-Austin Digital Twin Project (UT-TRIDENT) (Co-Lead)

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Graduation Date 2028

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University (Graduation Fall, 2023) 

Bio:

Jerel is a Graduate Research Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University where his estimated graduation will be in the fall of 2028. Jerel also earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Concentration in Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. As of late May, 2021, Jerel became a member of Dr. Lane Carasik FAST research group where his role was to support setup for Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) experimentation. Loving to work with his hands and a knack for design, Jerel was quickly given the opportunity to design a flow conditioner to aid with experiments. It was then determined that PEPT could also be utilized for finding a novel understanding of flow conditioner efficacy which is currently being studied by FAST RG with Jerel’s being the project's lead. Jerel is a member of the American Nuclear Society. Jerel's hobbies include Basketball, Video Games, and Grappling Martial Arts. 

Graduate Research Assistant | Bladesmith

UNLP Fellow

(He/Him/His)

hutsella@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Development and modeling of gas sparging techniques for molten salt reactors (Lead)

• Analysis of bubble physics within a stagnant fluid (Lead)

• Experimental Investigation of Various Heat Transfer Enhancements for Heat Exchangers (Supporting)

• Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• Intern, Idaho National Lab 2025

• Intern, Idaho National Lab 2024

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected 2028

• Engineer in Training Certification, Virginia, 2023

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, 2023

Bio:

Andrew Hutsell is a third-year Graduate Research Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering PhD program. Prior to VCU, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from George Mason University and briefly worked at Newport News Shipbuilding. While there, Andrew supported the research and design of next generation submarines and earned his Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. 

At VCU, Andrew leads the investigations of two-phase flow gas sparging techniques for molten salt reactors. This research uses surrogate fluids and the analysis of bubble dynamics within a stagnant and moving fluid. He also supports the ongoing experimental investigation of heat transfer enhancements for heat exchangers used in molten salt systems via surrogate fluids. 

Outside of the research group, Andrew has been a practicing bladesmith since 2019 in which he makes custom order knives and swords. His favorite metal to work with is pattern welded damascus steel. Through this hobby, he competed on the History Channel TV show “Forged in Fire” (S10E27) in which he came in second place. 

Graduate Research Assistant

(He/Him/His)

kurukulasurd@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Development of a Methodology for Quantification and Propagation of Uncertainty in Thermal Physical Properties for Molten Salts (Lead)

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Graduation Date 2028

• Master of Engineering in Plasma Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2024

• Bachelors of Science in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering with a concentration in Plasma and Fusion Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2022 

Bio:

Dilan Kurukulasuriya is a Graduate Research Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University. He previously attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he focused the majority of his studies on plasma physics and fusion sciences. He is originally from Columbia, Missouri, where he was encouraged to look into engineering by his (former nuclear engineer turned) physics teacher. Between his love for math/physics and his desire to help with the fight against climate change, nuclear engineering became the obvious choice. He focused on the plasma physics side of the fusion problem throughout his bachelor’s and master's degrees but was always interested in the Thermal Hydraulics of it all. Now he is excited to see what the other side has to offer.

Dilan is an active member of the American Nuclear Society at both the local and national levels. In his free time, Dilan enjoys listening to music, catching a movie at the Byrd, and playing games with his friends online.

Graduate Research Assistant

(She/Her/Hers)

tutwilersa@vcu.edu 

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) Fellow & Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Fellow

Project(s):

• High-fidelity CFD simulations of twisted elliptical tubes for molten salt fission applications 

• High-fidelity CFD simulations of twisted tape inserts for molten salt fusion applications 

• Internships while at VCU: (most recent-oldest)

• Graduate Research Assistant, Idaho National Laboratory, Summer 2025

• Graduate Research Assistant, Argonne National Laboratory, Summer 2024

• Thermal Hydraulics Analysis Intern, TerraPower, Summer 2023

• Undergraduate Research Assistant, Argonne National Laboratory, Summer 2022

• Science Undergraduate Laboratory Intern (SULI), Argonne National Laboratory, Summer 2021

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, expected 2028

• Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2025

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering and Minor in Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023

• Bachelor of Science in Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023

• Baccalaureate Certificate in Product Innovation, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2023

Bio:

Sierra Tutwiler is a PhD candidate at VCU working on her PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. She started her PhD in 2023, and prior to that attended VCU for her undergraduate education where she received Bachelor degrees in both mechanical engineering and physics. Sierra is originally from Richmond, Virginia, where her interest in engineering started at her great-grandparent’s go-kart repair shop where she would spend time during summers as a kid. She has previously interned for Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and TerraPower. 

At VCU, Sierra is responsible for high-fidelity CFD simulations of molten salt systems for both fission and fusion applications using Nek5000. This includes analysis of twisted elliptical tubes for use in molten salt fission systems by further characterizing geometric impacts on heat transfer performance across various operating conditions. On the fusion side, she is working on implementing increasingly realistic boundary conditions in Nek5000 for divertor coolant channels with twisted tape inserts.

Sierra is an active member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and is a member of the Thermal Hydraulics Division Executive Committee. She previously served as treasurer of ANS at VCU for three years while in undergrad. Outside of research, Sierra enjoys spending her free time with her miniature Dachshund Leo, playing field hockey, used book and record hunting, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Graduate Research Assistant

(She/Them/Theirs)

nairpk2@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• Project 1 DOE: FIRE Liquid Metals Project (role - support)

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Physics with a minors in Engineering Physics and Mathematics from the University of San Francisco, Year 2025

• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Graduation Date 2030

Bio:

"Pooja is a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Physics and minors in Mathematics and Engineering Physics. She has lived in Connecticut, Kerala, San Francisco, Maryland and is now in Richmond, Virginia. Their commitment to contributing to a global shift towards renewable and sustainable forms of energy is a driving factor that informs their passion for what they do. She has previously worked at the University of San Francisco as an undergraduate research assistant in both the engineering and physics departments in projects relating to fiber optics, Michelson interferometers, and an interdisciplinary research project on the rise of semiconductor technologies during WW2. She has also worked with elementary to high-school students as a robotics and coding teacher in underserved communities during their time as an undergraduate. She was an active member of the Women in Physics chapter at the University of San Francisco and has now pivoted to Women in Nuclear at VCU. She enjoys spending their free time reading, listening to music and sitting by the rocks at Belle Isle” 

Graduate Research Assistant

(Any Pronouns)

villarrealem@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• MSETF-Tritium (Support)

• MSETF-Stagnant (Support)

Internships while at VCU:

• Research Student Internship Participant, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2026)

• Research Student Internship Participant, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2025)

• Research Student Internship Participant, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2024)

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2026

• Minor in Mathematics

Bio:

Ethan Villarreal is a recent Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Raised in Bristow, Virginia, his interest in nuclear power and technology was spurred in late high school after learning about advanced nuclear technology from his older brother, who was actively pursuing a degree in nuclear engineering. The unique nature of the designs and benefits for green energy production inspired him to likewise pursue a degree in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ethan Plans to pursue his PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University focusing on two phase flow bubble dynamics studies for molten salt technology applications.

Ethan Joined the Fluids in Advanced Systems and Technology research group in the summer of 2023, where he received the VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Summer Fellowship. Throughout his time in the FAST group, he has supported several projects:UV-Resin Thermal conductivity measurement, PEPT, MSETF-1, and MSETF-2. Currently Ethan is supporting the MSETF-TRITIUM and MSETF-STAGNANT projects in which his work focuses on optical measurement considerations for bubble dynamic analysis.

While at VCU, Ethan has served as the outreach chair for the VCU ANS section, President and Marshal of Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, and Member at Large of the VCU INMM section.

Ethan is currently spending his summer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, working as a research assistant at ORNL under the Plutonium-238 Supply Program. He enjoys spending his free time playing musical instruments such as the piano and guitar, and occasionally plays online videogames. 

Graduate research assistant 

(She/Her/Hers)

wilkek2@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• DOE FIRE Project

Internships at VCU:

• Graduate Student Intern, Idaho National Laboratory  Summer 2026

Education:

• Masters of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, December 2025

• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering with a minor in radiological health, Texas A&M University, May 2024  

Bio:

Kara Wilke is a nuclear engineer and Graduate Research Assistant working on the FIRE liquid metal fusion project. She holds a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences from the University of Michigan, where she was an NRC Fellow, and a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University with a minor in radiological health.

Her technical experience includes severe accident analysis, thermal hydraulics, and molten salt diagnostics. During her time at Sandia National Laboratories, she conducted safety analyses using MELCOR to evaluate passive system performance under accident conditions, contributing to improved understanding of system reliability and response limits in nuclear safety scenarios.

As an undergraduate researcher, she worked on  laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques for molten salt flow diagnostics, enabling visualization of flow behavior in natural circulation systems. Her work included experimental design, optical diagnostics, and material screening for surrogate salt media. She also served as Secretary of the American Nuclear Society student chapter, supporting student engagement and organizational activities.

Kara will be joining Idaho National Laboratory as an intern, where she will work with the TMAP code. Her current research on the FIRE liquid metal fusion project focuses on thermal-fluid phenomena relevant to fusion energy systems. Her interests include advanced reactor design, fusion systems, and safety-focused modeling and simulation for advanced and fusion energy systems.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

(They/Them/Theirs)

frazierbestc@vcu.edu

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking, 2028

• Minor in Nuclear Engineering

• Minor in Physics

Bio:

Coley is a 3rd year undergrad student in the VCU School of arts pursuing a major in painting and printmaking. Coley found an interest in nuclear engineering during their second semester at VCU and ever since has been pursuing a minor in nuclear engineering alongside their art education. They aim to blend art and nuclear in order to make nuclear science a more accessible and digestible topic for the public as well as to foster love and interest in nuclear engineering for the community around them.

Coley enjoys spending free time hanging out with their siblings and cousins, watching horror movies, and listening to music.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

johanekrf@vcu.edu

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Eisha Langalia is an undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Aerospace Engineering. She is originally from Northern Virginia where her interest in nuclear science peaked due to her love for space and the applications of nuclear within them. 

Eisha is the secretary of Women in Nuclear and an active member of the American Nuclear Society chapter at VCU.

Eisha is currently spending her summer in Richmond, VA, interning as a Nuclear Safety Analysis intern at Dominion Energy. She enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

(He/Him/His)

lefflerc@vcu.edu

Projects:

• ARC Blanket 2D LES Simulation

Education:

• Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Math, and Physics

• Minor in Data Science

Internships:

• Y-12 National Security Complex, Containment & Machine Design Intern (Summer 2024)

• Framatome, Component Analysis Intern (Summer 2025)

Bio:

Chris Leffler is an undergraduate student at VCU pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering with concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Math, and Physics and minors in Data Science and Statistics. He started at VCU in mechanical engineering but found an interest and passion in nuclear engineering. With the FAST research group, he is working on creating structured meshes in gmsh and simulating CFD and heat transfer problems with nek5000. Chris is an active member and current president of American Nuclear Society at VCU. Chris enjoys spending his free time cooking, baking, and running.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Undergraduate Research Assistant

(He/Him/His)

lopezji@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• MSEFT-SLUDGE (role-support)

• MSEFT-1 & 2 role-(support)

Internships while at VCU:

• Undergraduate Research Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University (2024-Present)

• Mechanical Integrity Engineering Intern, Applied Technical Services (2024)

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Mechanical with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2027

• Minor in Mathematics

Bio:

Jeremy Lopez is a mechanical and nuclear engineering student who discovered his passion for the nuclear field in an unexpected way. Born and raised in the Richmond area. Initially unaware that he had been placed in the nuclear concentration, he encountered his first nuclear engineering course during his second semester, an experience that sparked a deep and lasting interest in the field. This turning point led him to further pursue nuclear engineering academically and professionally. After an internship where he conducted inspections and performed non-destructive testing (NDT) at chemical, nuclear, and fuel plants. This hands-on industry experience strengthened his interest in nuclear systems and directly motivated him to pursue research in the lab. Eventually joining Dr. Carasik’s FAST Research Group, where he contributes to ongoing research efforts in fluids and thermal-hydraulics.

Jeremy is an active member of both the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), engaging with professional communities that support his academic and career development.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Jeremy enjoys playing video games and producing music. He also works as an AVL (Audio, Visual, and Lighting) technician, supporting a variety of events that require expertise in sound, media, and visual production.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

(Any Pronouns)

zurawn@vcu.edu

Project(s):

• DOE FIRE Liquid Metals

Bio:

Nathaniel is a first-year undergrad studying Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear engineering as well as Physics.  They are currently working on the DOE FIRE liquid metals project investigating the design implications of the effects that powerful magnetic fields have on flowing metals and the transport of impurities and heat in fusion energy systems.  They were recently awarded the VCU UROP Fellowship for this project.  Previously, they worked on SBIR/STTR projects under the NIH and NIA creating tools and care provider interfaces for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's dementia and related disorders that struggle with dysphagia.  At VCU, they are an active member of the American Nuclear society for which they are vice president-elect.  They love to play chess, read, and spend weekends at art museums.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

mcdanielc8@vcu.edu