New Mexico State University has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management to enhance research and workforce skills in the field of radioactive tank waste management. The grant, which spans over three years, will benefit various departments within NMSU and collaborating institutions.
Leading the project is NMSU Chemical and Materials Engineering Associate Professor Catherine Brewer, who expressed the goal of the initiative, stating, "The goal of this project is to give students the knowledge, experiences and person-to-person interactions to help them consider and be prepared for careers with the DOE." Brewer highlighted the importance of familiarity with elements like uranium and plutonium, as well as understanding the nuclear fuel cycle.
Satyajayant "Jay" Misra, College of Engineering associate dean of research, emphasized the significance of the grant in providing students with essential experience for future careers. Misra noted, "The multidisciplinary environment in the project will help the students become well-rounded in their training."
The NuChemE Pipeline project involves various faculty members from NMSU, including professors from different departments such as chemical and materials engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, geological sciences, environmental engineering, and management. Brewer also mentioned the collaboration with partners from the University of Texas at El Paso, Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah River National Laboratory, and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, enabling students to engage in the development of new technologies and supply chains for f-element materials.
NMSU interim President Jay Gogue expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "The NuChemE Pipeline initiative is set to enhance the workforce’s capacity and diversity in managing radioactive tank waste." Gogue highlighted the project's aim to bolster skills necessary for the task through interdisciplinary training and practical experiences, leveraging existing programs and engaging students in various facilities for a comprehensive understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle.
In a broader context, the Department of Energy awarded a total of $25 million in grant funding for the Minority Serving Institute Partnership Program, with NMSU being one of the benefiting institutions. This program aims to promote diversity and sustainability within the STEM workforce, fostering collaboration among institutions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and career opportunities.
The grant received by NMSU for the NuChemE Pipeline underscores the university's commitment to research excellence, workforce development, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing critical challenges in radioactive tank waste management.