Prof. Steffi Diem selected as 2024 U.S. Science Envoy
Steffi Diem, a University of Wisconsin–Madison assistant professor of nuclear engineering and engineering physics, has been selected to serve as a U.S. Science Envoy for the Department of State in 2024. The federal program empowers leading U.S. scientists to leverage their expertise and networks with the goal of increasing international cooperation around important scientific endeavors.
Oliver Schmitz shares fusion energy expertise on PBS’ “Energy Switch”
Oliver Schmitz, Thomas and Suzanne Werner Professor of nuclear engineering and engineering physics and associate dean for research innovation in the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, was featured in the season four premiere of “Energy Switch” on PBS, discussing the current state and potential future of fusion energy with host Scott Tinker and Zabrina Johal, senior director of strategic development at General Atomics.
Federal grants to 2 Wisconsin startups highlight UW’s leading role in fusion energy
A pair of startups with University of Wisconsin–Madison roots have received large federal grants to support their efforts to develop clean energy through fusion.
Realta Fusion and Type One Energy Group, both based in the Madison area, were two of eight ventures from across the nation that the U.S. Department of Energy selected for grants worth millions of dollars to support research and development of fusion energy technologies. Earth-based fusion energy, which seeks to mimic the nuclear fusion that powers the stars, could someday provide a source of clean, safe and virtually limitless power and heat.
NEEP celebrates “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day”
On February 22, 2024, the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics joined in the celebration of DiscoverE‘s annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. Over 160 participants from high schools throughout southern Wisconsin visited the UW-Madison campus to learn about career opportunities in nuclear engineering.
Science magazine article features alumnus Greg Piefer, SHINE Technologies
Science magazine, one of the world’s leading scientific journals, featured University of Wisconsin-Madison nuclear engineering and engineering physics PhD alumnus Greg Piefer and SHINE Technologies, the Janesville, Wisconsin-based company he founded, in a full-length article in its July 19, 2024 issue. The piece, titled “Making Fusion Pay,” delves into SHINE’s innovative approach to commercializing fusion technology.
The article explores the company’s four-phase plan to make fusion commercially viable, from its work in radiation effects testing and medical isotope production to recycling nuclear waste before advancing toward the ultimate goal of fusion power.