What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen, department chair of the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) program, to explore the history, mission, and future of a department that blends technical excellence with human-centered education. From submarines to art tunnels, this conversation offers a 360° look at what makes Michigan a true nuclear powerhouse.

We cover:

• How a student-led movement after WWII became the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project

• How Michigan is preparing students for advanced nuclear innovation

• The creation of a living memorial through art and engineering

• Undergraduate and graduate experiences in one of the world’s most well-funded and research-rich departments

• The Harper All Stars and how mentorship and scholarships are shaping the next generation

• The OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy, hosted at Michigan this fall

• 🔬 Michigan NERS Main Page
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu

• 🕊️ History of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/academics/harperacademy/
  https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers

• 🎨 Phoenix-Themed Tunnel Art Installation
  https://news.engin.umich.edu/2023/08/a-nuclear-engineering-education-inspired-by-art

• 🧑‍🎓 Harper Academy All Stars (Charles Harper Charities)
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/09/16/harper-academy-all-stars-support-ners-research
  https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers

• 🌍 OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy – Hosted at U-M
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/07/01/u-m-to-host-oecd-nea-global-forum-on-nuclear-energy

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