Two graduate students awarded UNLP Graduate Fellowships

Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics graduate students Isabella Wood and Gabe Dengler-Jeanblanc have received University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Graduate Fellowships.

UNLP Graduate Fellowships, sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, support graduate research relevant to nuclear energy and include a summer internship at a DOE national laboratory.   

Wood and Dengler-Jeanblanc are both part of the Reactor Technology Integration Group (ReTI) led by Assistant Professor Ben Lindley. 

Wood’s research explores unconventional and novel core geometries in pebble-bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. Her goal is to develop viable, economical engineering solutions to bring these reactors closer to deployment, particularly in remote communities. 

“Being awarded this fellowship is a confidence boost in both my abilities and the potential of my research,” says Wood. “It’s a meaningful validation that the hard work I’ve put in over the past few years is recognized.”

Dengler-Jeanblanc began his research as an undergraduate, utilizing software to test potential improvements to the power production of pressurized water reactors while maintaining safety limits. His work aims to improve fuel utilization for a wide range of reactor designs, ultimately providing cheaper electricity. 

“This fellowship validates the hard work I have put into receiving my undergraduate degree,” says Dengler-Jeanblanc. “Although it has been my intention to continue on to graduate school for many years now, this fellowship helps me confirm that I am on the right path.”

These fellowships will allow both Wood and Dengler-Jeanblanc to continue their research without the stress of securing funding, enabling them the freedom to pursue the areas of study that align with their long-term career goals.