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 of advanced nuclear reactors. A new program, led by Ira Harkness, Ph.D., an instructional assistant professor, with associate professors Kyle C. Hartig, Ph.D., and Assel Aitkaliyeva, Ph.D., as collaborators, is a strategic response to this growing demand. This program addresses workforce needs by targeting emerging talent pools in the expanding nuclear sector.

“By bridging the gap in nuclear education, this project lays the foundation for innovative nuclear research and industry practices,” Harkness said. “Developing a broad range of talent paves the way for advancements in energy, healthcare and environmental sustainability.”

The program collaborates with educational institutions lacking research reactors, bringing them into high-quality educational and research environments on UF’s campus in Gainesville. Key partners include the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Florida International University, and the University of Central Florida — all designated as Hispanic-serving institutions. This collaboration underscores a commitment to broadening opportunities in nuclear education and addressing gaps in the field.

Students and faculty from these partner institutions will be invited to the UF Training Reactor (UFTR) for immersive, week-long programs to engage in hands-on experiments, interactive presentations, technical demonstrations and guided tours.

“These experiences offer a comprehensive understanding of reactor technology and operations, expanding perspectives on nuclear science and engineering,” Harkness said. “These activities will also be made available through online modules to ensure their long-term relevance and reach.”

But the initiative doesn’t stop there. The program recognizes the power of early education with a one-week summer workshop designed for K-12 educators, with a focus on reaching underserved communities. This component will equip teachers with the tools and knowledge to effectively introduce nuclear science fundamentals in their classrooms, aiming to inspire the next wave of nuclear engineers and scientists from a young age. This “teach-the-teacher” approach will reach over 2000 K-12 students yearly, facilitating long-term impact.

The idea for this innovative approach was sparked by Harkness’ realization of the potential of the UFTR to serve a broader community beyond its traditional role in research and education.

“Many of our students told us that their interest in nuclear engineering began in middle or high school,” Harkness said. “This summer workshop will prepare teachers to meet state of Florida academic standards related to nuclear technology through experiments and virtual tours of the UFTR.”

UFTR’s unique funding structure allows for a significant allocation of resources toward participant support. Nearly 50% of the $200,000 funded by the Department of Energy will cover travel expenses for participants, particularly those from Puerto Rico, who might otherwise be unable to gain such valuable experience.

The program also intends to foster a collaborative community among participants and leverage connections with student chapters of various professional organizations, such as the American Nuclear Society, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers, to promote peer mentoring and instruction.

“One of the better parts of this initiative is that it will serve as a scalable model for other disciplines and institutions aiming to expand access to specialized resources,” Harkness said. “By combining the resources and expertise of partner institutions, the program not only levels the educational playing field but also inspires students from varied backgrounds to pursue careers in nuclear engineering.”

Harkness’ strategy of collaboration and resource sharing sets a precedent for other specialized disciplines, and its impact on the future nuclear workforce will likely be felt across the academic and professional landscapes.

“This project exemplifies our commitment to both academic excellence and diversity as we open the doors to new talent and strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals in nuclear engineering,” said Michael Tonks,  Ph.D., interim chair of the department.