Dear colleagues, alums, supporters and friends,
As the fall semester concludes, this newsletter offers a chance to highlight some of the remarkable accomplishments across our department. From our faculty’s innovative research to our students’ dedication and our alumni’s ongoing success, it’s clear that our community shows no signs of hibernating for the winter. I am proud to share these milestones, showcasing our impact in materials science and nuclear engineering.
With federal initiatives fueling demand for skilled nuclear professionals, Ira Harkness, Ph.D., is leading an innovative program to expand access to nuclear education and training. The program will provide immersive experiences at the UF Training Reactor and empower K-12 educators to inspire future engineers. By broadening access to nuclear education, Harkness hopes to increase both diversity and workforce readiness across the nuclear sector.
Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D., and her team are partnering with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to create a four-course AI curriculum for South Carolina high schools. Supported by the state’s Department of Education, this initiative combines Ruzycki’s K-12 AI expertise with SREB’s curriculum development to prepare students for AI-driven careers. The program includes professional development, locally tailored content, and pathways to postsecondary opportunities.
Assel Aitkaliyeva, Ph.D., was named to ANS’s inaugural NuclearNews 40 Under 40 list, recognizing her leadership in nuclear science, education and mentorship. She has inspired future engineers through her dedication to advancing nuclear technology and fostering diversity in STEM.
We’d also like you to meet our newest faculty members. Renato S. Navarro, Ph.D., and Ravit Silverstein, Ph.D., will join the department as assistant professors in January 2025. Navarro brings expertise in regenerative medicine and biomaterials alongside a passion for mentorship. At the same time, Silverstein specializes in the characterization and design of innovative materials.
In case you missed it, the Consortium for Nuclear Forensics (CNF) hosted its inaugural workshop over the summer, bringing together more than 100 participants from universities, national labs and global agencies. The event featured research presentations, a 3MT competition, networking sessions and student awards, showcasing CNF’s commitment to advancing nuclear forensics, fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of leaders in nuclear security.
In our student spotlight, Brooke Lastinger, a junior, shares her study-abroad experience in Iceland. With help from the Botic Family Scholars Professional Pathway Fund, she learned about geothermal energy first-hand, and gained insights into renewable materials and sustainability.
In alumni news, Navin Manjooran, Ph.D. (M.S. MSE ’03), was appointed president of ASM International. With over two decades of leadership in materials science and advanced technologies, he will undoubtedly represent the Gator Nation well.
As always, we encourage you to stay connected with us through our social media platforms. Your involvement is essential as we continue to push boundaries and shape the future of our department. Together, we look forward to building on our shared success and making a lasting impact in both science and academia.