Is a Background in Materials Science Essential for a PhD in Nuclear Materials?

[victorconan]

Hi, everyone!
I am undergraduate student from China. I am applying to pursue a PhD degree in United States next year. I am interested in nuclear materials, but the problem is that my home school offers little course on materials science. I am affraid that students of materials science may be preferred. Should I still keep my dream of being a materials scientist in nuclear engineering?
I have some research background in materials corrosion, precisely non-irradiation induced stress corrosion cracking testing. But I find a majority of faculty in nuclear materials are focusing on irradaiton damage.
I have found some professors I am interested in, they are: Peter Hosemann at UC Berkeley; Gary Was at Umich; James Stubbins at UIUC; Todd Allen at PSU. I read lots of their papers in Journal of Nuclear Materials. How do you think of these professors? Could you recommend more professors for me?
Thanks!

 

[victorconan]

Sorry I made a mistake, Todd Allen at UW-madison

 

[nuclear85]

I'm in nuclear materials. When I started the program (nuclear engineering), I didn't have much background in materials (my undergrad was physics), so I don't think it's a big problem. You're expected to do some learning at grad school!

It shouldn't be surprising that people involved in *nuclear* materials are interested in irradiation damage. Otherwise they would just be in materials science. You solve many of the same problems whether or not you can about irradiation damage -- there just tend to be more defects to deal with in irradiated environments, so it's a little bit more interesting, in my opinion.

There are hundreds of good professors in the area, including the ones you mentioned. You certainly shouldn't limit yourself to a small list like that; you'll often get more attention with less well known professors. You should also decide whether you're interested in experimental or computational work.

Good luck!

 

[victorconan]

I'm in nuclear materials. When I started the program (nuclear engineering), I didn't have much background in materials (my undergrad was physics), so I don't think it's a big problem. You're expected to do some learning at grad school!

It shouldn't be surprising that people involved in *nuclear* materials are interested in irradiation damage. Otherwise they would just be in materials science. You solve many of the same problems whether or not you can about irradiation damage -- there just tend to be more defects to deal with in irradiated environments, so it's a little bit more interesting, in my opinion.

There are hundreds of good professors in the area, including the ones you mentioned. You certainly shouldn't limit yourself to a small list like that; you'll often get more attention with less well known professors. You should also decide whether you're interested in experimental or computational work.

Good luck!

Thanks!
I have only experimental experience, and I feel I do love doing experimental work, like designing and constructing coolant loops, operating SEM/TEM and etc.. Our school is not permitted to have radiation source, so we cannot have irradiation testing. However, I notice just a few differences in testing technology between irradiation one and unirradiation one. I think the most significant difference is the microstructure investigation, right?
I have done research on computation of macro fluid, but I think the nano-scale simulations are so cool, which really attract me. Now I am taking the course of Quantum mechanics, the most interesting course I've ever taken during my undergraduate years. Since I have no research background in atomistic computation, I cannot judge whether the research is as interesting as taking the course. Could you introduce something you are doing to me? From my observation, many groups have both experimental and computational work, like Allen's and Stubbins'. So does it mean that I have a chance to choose which part I would like to engage in after I am admitted?
btw, is the competition for nuclear materials fierce compared to that in other fields of nuclear engineering?

 

[Matrix0]

As a fellow scientist, I can understand your concerns about pursuing a PhD in nuclear materials with limited background in materials science. However, I want to assure you that your research background in materials corrosion and non-irradiation induced stress corrosion cracking testing is valuable and relevant to the field of nuclear materials. Many students come from different academic backgrounds and it is common to have some gaps in knowledge, but that should not discourage you from pursuing your dream of becoming a materials scientist in nuclear engineering.

In fact, your unique background and research experience may bring a fresh perspective to the field and could be an asset to your future studies and research. I would encourage you to reach out to the professors you have mentioned and discuss your interests and background with them. They may be able to provide you with more insight and guidance on how to bridge any knowledge gaps and excel in the field.

Additionally, I would also suggest exploring other universities and professors who specialize in nuclear materials and have a strong focus on non-irradiation induced damage. It is important to find a mentor who aligns with your research interests and can support you in achieving your goals. You can also reach out to current PhD students in the field and ask for their recommendations on professors and programs.

In terms of the professors you have mentioned, they are all highly respected and well-published in the field of nuclear materials. However, it is important to find a good fit for your research interests and goals. I would recommend reaching out to them and discussing your research interests and potential opportunities for collaboration.

Overall, I believe you should definitely keep your dream of becoming a materials scientist in nuclear engineering and not let your background deter you from pursuing it. With hard work, determination, and the right mentorship, you can achieve your goals and make a valuable contribution to the field. Best of luck in your PhD journey!