Nuclear Energy
Biography
Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Donovan, NE Department UTK; Dr. Ezekial Unterberg, PEPC Group ORNL
I was born and raised in Dickson, Tennessee, on the western side of Nashville. After graduating from Dickson County High School, I attended Sewanee: The University of the South (a liberal arts college just outside of Chattanooga), where I studied mathematics, physics, and chemistry as part of my Bachelor’s degree. Continuing the serendipitous Tennessee theme, I immediately pursued my Ph.D. at the Bredesen Center of UTK after finishing my undergrad. Currently, I am a doctoral candidate studying tungsten redeposition in magnetic-confinement fusion devices. In particular, I explore in situ and ex situ techniques for discriminating between magnetic-, electrostatic-, and transport-driven redeposition mechanisms and assessing each mechanism’s impact on the longevity of high-Z plasma facing materials. Outside of work, I enjoy adventuring in the Smokies and performing music. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my incredible wife, family, friends, pets, and church, who have all enriched my life in immeasurable ways and to whom I could never express enough gratitude.
Research
Fusion energy: Tungsten plasma-material interactions
Education
B.S. in Mathematics and Physics (+ Chemistry Minor), Sewanee: The University of the South
Awards and Recognitions
SCGSR Award Recipient, 2020 Solicitation 2