AAMU Among Team Awarded $5M DOE Grant for Modular Nuclear Reactors

Alabama A&M University is now part of a $5 million grant, collaborating with fellow Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Central Florida (UCF), alongside the esteemed U.S. Department of Energy Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This “Consortium for Research and Education in Cyber Manufacturing Applications for Modular Nuclear Reactors (CMA-MNuR),” is working to design and develop the underlying technologies utilized in the sensing capabilities of nuclear technologies, with a focus on modular nuclear reactors.

“In a global push to transition away from fossil fuels as the primary source of energy, the nuclear industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence in both interest and investment,” says Dr. Mebougna Drabo, Professor and Chair of AAMU Mechanical & Civil Engineering and Construction Management. "Traditionally, high initial capital costs and other barriers have limited the deployment of nuclear power plants. However, a groundbreaking shift is occurring within the nuclear industry.“

To mitigate these challenges, modular nuclear reactors, smaller, prefabricated, and capable of producing under 300MWe, have emerged. These modular reactors can be rapidly deployed and assembled in units, increasing the overall energy output. Drabo says AAMU's contribution involves the development and evaluation of radiation detection devices for modular nuclear reactors, designed to operate at ambient temperatures without the need for cryogenic cooling.

“Additionally, AAMU's radiation detection system will be integrated into a cyber-manufacturing environment to foster the development of the nation's cyber-manufacturing capabilities. This integration encompasses various tools and technologies commonly associated with computer science and artificial intelligence fields, including neural networks, machine learning packages, algorithms, rule-based programs, and virtual work environments,” adds Drabo.

At AAMU, Drabo takes the lead as Principal Investigator (PI) for the nuclear detector system of small modular reactors. Dr. Drabo will work with faculty and students on related research during summer internships at participating Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Labs.

Dr. Ed Pearson III, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, serves as a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) and will focus on the cybersecurity aspects of the reactors. Pearson will also develop a special course on Nuclear Cybersecurity, providing students with essential knowledge in this critical area. Like Drabo, Pearson will work with faculty and students during summer internships at participating DOE/NNSA labs.

Dr. Stephen Egarievwe, a Research Scientist with expertise in developing CdTe-based nuclear detectors, will work alongside the team to develop the radiation detection system.

Dr. Jian Fu, Professor of Computer Science, will work on cybersecurity aspects of the reactors and the development of a special course on Nuclear Cybersecurity.

Mr. Richard Lagle, the key on-site lab technician, will be responsible for the instrumentation and calibration of all lab equipment and instruments used in this endeavor, while also supporting the needs of faculty and students involved in the project.

The Consortium also has a mission to cultivate STEM students prepared to work in the nuclear industry, arming them with skills and knowledge essential not only in the nuclear sector but also in various science, engineering, and technology-based domains.

“Seven students are currently participating in the project, including four graduate students and three undergraduates,” says Drabo. “They have the unique opportunity to engage in 10-week summer internships offered by the Consortium, gaining invaluable experience alongside some of the nation's leading experts while honing their research and practical skills.”

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(Photo L-R from back row) Keith Rivers, senior, mechanical engineering (Mech.Eng.); Marcus Williams, graduate student, Mech. Eng.; Jaiden Green, junior Mech.Eng.; Dr. Stephen Egarievwe; Chinyere Wodi, graduate student, systems engineering; Dr. Ed Pearson III; Dr. Mebougna Drabo; Dr. Jian Fu; Kermit Booker, junior Mech. Eng.; BreZhane Walker, graduate student, Mech. Eng.; Vincent Belfield, graduate student, Mech. Eng.