UF Nuclear Engineering Program
At UF, we’re developing the next generation of nuclear engineering leaders by performing high-impact research and providing exceptional educational programs. We build on our unique strength as a department by combining the disciplines of both Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering to benefit society locally, nationally and globally.
Faculty Research Areas
Nuclear technology and research contribute in multiple ways to our health, development and safety. You may not realize it, but it's utilized across nearly all aspects of our lives and community, from clean energy production to medicine to agriculture.
Find Out More Nuclear Engineering ProgramResearch Facilities
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s Research Service Centers support and enhance the research, education, and public service missions of the University of Florida by providing access to characterization and process instrumentation.
Find Out More Nuclear Engineering ProgramWhy Nuclear Engineering at UF?
At UF, we’re developing the next generation of nuclear engineering leaders by performing high-impact research and providing exceptional educational programs.
Find Out More Nuclear Engineering ProgramFaculty Research Areas
Nuclear technology and research contribute in multiple ways to our health, development and safety. You may not realize it, but it's utilized across nearly all aspects of our lives and community, from clean energy production to medicine to agriculture.
Find Out MoreNuclear Engineering ProgramNuclear Engineering Faculty
Michael Tonks
Interim Department Chair, Professor, Alumni Professor of Materials Science & EngineeringMaterials Science & Engineering / Nuclear Engineering
Work 100B Rhines Hall Work Phone: (352) 846-3779Work Email: michael.tonks@ufl.eduWebsite: Tonks Research Group
Biography
Ph.D., 2008, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Research Interests: Computational materials science, Computational mechanics, Coevolution of microstructure and properties, Materials in Harsh Environments, Mesoscale modeling and simulation, Nuclear materials, Numerical methods
Lab Website: Tonks Research Group
Notes
Researchgate
LinkedIn
GoogleScholar
Github
Experience
- 2021 – Present: Professor and Alumni Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida
- 2017 – 2021: Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida
- 2015 – 2017: Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Pennsylvania State University
- 2013 – 2015: Leader of the Microstructure Science and Engineering group at Idaho National Laboratory
- 2009 – 2013: Staff scientist at Idaho National Laboratory
- 2008 – 2009: Postdoctoral researcher at Idaho National Laboratory
Honors and Awards
- 2022: TMS Brimacombe Medalist
- 2020: University of Florida, Department of Materials Science Faculty Excellence Award
- 2019: Acta Materialia Outstanding Reviewer Award
- 2019: University of Florida, Department of Materials Science Faculty Excellence Award
- 2017: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
- 2015: ANS Materials Science and Technology Division: Special Achievement Award
- 2014: INL Early Career Exceptional Achievement Award
- 2014: TMS SMD Young Leader Professional Development Award
- 2014: US DOE NE Advanced Modeling and Simulation Program Excellence Award
Other Nuclear Engineering Program News
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Consortium for Nuclear Forensics Hosts Inaugural Workshop at UF
12/09/2024
The Consortium for Nuclear Forensics (CNF) recently held its first workshop, bringing together more than 100 attendees via livestream and in-person. The two-day event saw participants from 16 universities, seven national laboratories, and multiple government agencies and international collaborators, including the United Kingdom’s Atomic Weapons Establishment.The workshop’s dynamic agenda featured presentations, networking opportunities, and engaging ...
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Rising to the Top: Aitkaliyeva Among ANS’s 40 Under 40 Leaders
12/09/2024
Assel Aitkaliyeva, Ph.D., has been named to the American Nuclear Society’s (ANS) inaugural NuclearNews 40 Under 40 list. This recognition celebrates her as one of the most innovative young professionals advancing the field of nuclear science and engineering.The NuclearNews 40 Under 40 list highlights leaders who are driving innovation in nuclear energy and shaping the ...
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New Leadership, Proven Expertise
12/09/2024
University of Florida’s Department of Materials Science & Engineering welcomes Michael Tonks and Josephine Allen to key leadership roles.Michael Tonks, Ph.D.
Josephine Allen, Ph.D.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Tonks, Ph.D., as the interim chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) at UF. Tonks joined the MSE faculty in 2017 ...
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Shaping the Future of Nuclear Energy
11/07/2024
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the University of Florida Training Reactor is emerging as a cornerstone for nuclear education, research and outreach.
With growing support for nuclear energy driven by multiple federal initiatives, the Department of Energy anticipates an increased need for skilled workers to meet the demands of manufacturing, construction, and operation ... -
LEGO-loving UF researcher helps fuel Mars mission
07/31/2024
LEGO-loving UF researcher helps fuel Mars mission -
Promotions and Awards – Summer 2024
07/09/2024
The Department of Materials Science & Engineering is pleased to announce the following promotions and awards -
Continuing the Journey: The Brice Turner Memorial Fund
06/04/2024
With immense pride and gratitude, we are honored to announce the establishment of the Brice Turner Memorial Fund, a lasting tribute to the memory of a remarkable individual whose commitment to academic excellence and leadership continues to inspire us all.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Turner‘s diverse interests in athletics, F1 racing, outdoor adventures, and love ... -
Career Engineering: Insights from the Savannah River National Laboratory
05/30/2024
The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management research and development lab located in Aiken, South Carolina, with a history dating to the early Cold War. Established in the 1950s, SRNL has since evolved into a multidisciplinary research facility at the forefront of nuclear science, environmental stewardship ... -
Nuclear Engineering Student Shoutouts!
05/28/2024
We are pleased to highlight the accomplishments of nuclear engineering graduate students who recently received scholarships and internships. These individuals have shown outstanding dedication and skill in their studies and research. Join us in congratulating them on their hard work and dedication!
FellowshipsWeslee Kersey – DoD SMART Graduate Fellowship
Society Award
Kyle S. Latty – Society for Applied ... -
2023-2024 Departmental Scholarship Winners
04/16/2024
There are countless reasons why a student may require financial assistance. Between textbooks, tuition, rent, and food, the costs can add up quickly. Now more than ever, scholarships and awards play a pivotal role in alleviating the financial strains for the deserving students fortunate enough to receive them.
While academic awards come in various shapes and ...