NE Seminar: “The Science and Technology of Nuclear Deterrence”

Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/21/2024
1:55 pm - 2:55 pm

Location
Rhines 125

Categories


Abstract

The 2022 National Defense Strategy calls for the U.S. to develop a modern, adaptive nuclear security enterprise based on an integrated strategy including science and technology innovation and workforce development. The Air Force Research Laboratory established the Nuclear Mission Branch (AFRL/RVBN) to serve this mission area.

AFRL/RVBN is actively engaged in new research thrusts supporting U.S. nuclear deterrence objectives and building the future nuclear workforce. This talk will summarize key research areas tied to next-generation nuclear S&T, provide an overview of recent accomplishments of the Nuclear Mission Branch, and provide guidance on the pathways to joining the deterrence workforce and becoming a part of this mission.

Bio

Capt. Ashwin Rao, Ph.D.

Chief, Nuclear Science Section
Air Force Research Laboratory

Capt. Ashwin Rao is an active-duty U.S. Air Force Physicist and currently serves as Chief of the Nuclear Science Section, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. Capt. Rao supervises a team of 13 scientists leading a wide spectrum of science and technology efforts for nuclear modernization in support of the U.S. nuclear deterrence operations mission. He holds a B.S.E in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan (2018), as well as an M.S. (2020) and Ph.D. (2022) in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Capt. Rao’s expertise lies in optical emission spectroscopy for nuclear material detection and sensing in the hypersonic environment. His research interests include sensing in extreme environments and implementing machine learning methods to solve complex analytical spectroscopy problems.