Idaho Falls nuclear institute announces new hires

The Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering at ISU-Idaho Falls has recently hired three new faculty members.

“These new faculty members greatly increase ISU capability in nuclear engineering,” said Michael Lineberry, director of the institute. “Through affiliation with the College of Engineering, they will support our new nuclear engineering department in the College. Through affiliation with the Idaho National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, they will significantly add to ISU’s support for the Lab and CAES.”

The three new faculty members are

• Patricia Paviet-Hartmann, PhD, associate research professor, most recently worked for AREVA NP in Aiken, S.C., in the MOX fuel project. This project turns weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for nuclear reactors as part of the U.S. and Russian disarmament process. She received her doctorate from the University of Paris-IX in radiochemistry. Her particular field of interest is actinide and radionuclide chemistry. In addition to teaching duties, she will be working closely with scientists from the Idaho National Laboratory in separation technology, extraction of radionuclides, and laser spectroscopic investigation of actinides.

• Jianwei Chen, PhD, assistant professor of nuclear engineering, engaged in postdoctoral work at the Idaho Accelerator Center after he completed his doctorate in nuclear engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Before returning to ISU, Chen worked at the University of California-San Francisco applying Monte Carlo computer analysis methods to cancer treatment research and implementation. In addition to teaching the Monte Carlo method and other courses at ISU, Chen will be working with the Idaho National Laboratory on the next generation nuclear reactor, nondestructive testing of spent nuclear fuel, and Monte Carlo simulation in radiation.

• Thomas Hartmann, PhD, associate research professor, moved to ISU from Las Vegas, Nev., where he was directing the Structure and Solid Phase Analysis group within the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Science and Technology Program. His research there focused on the development of inert matrix nuclear fuels. He received his doctorate from the University of Heidelberg in Mineralogy. His specialty is materials research, especially solid phase analysis and X-ray diffraction. He is currently teaching a class in nuclear fuels at ISU as well as conducting research at the Idaho National Laboratory in nuclear fuels and nuclear waste.

For more information on the Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering call (208) 282-7808.