Many students from the Advanced Materials Laboratory presented at FuNZI – the Future Net Zero Innovators student symposium, which was put on by the Boise State University American Nuclear Society (ANS) and hosted at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in March. Kaelee Novich, president of the ANS student section and a PhD candidate in the AML, had the initial vision for the event. After months of hard work and the efforts of many, her vision came to life. Students attended from many schools, including Boise State University, Utah State University, Montana State University, University of Wyoming, University of Idaho, and the University of Washington. The symposium was focused on achieving “net-zero”, and students presented many new ideas, from finding new candidates for plastics, to energy storage, and to nuclear energy.
The symposium began with a tour of Idaho National Laboratory (INL) campus and reactors. The second day of FuNZI featured a keynote speaker panel, including INL associate directors Dr. Todd Combs (Energy & Environment), Dr. Jess Gehin (Nuclear Science & Technology), and Mr. Zach Tudor (Homeland Security). The speakers answered thought-provoking questions from students and spoke about INL being net-zero by 2031. It might seem like an ambitious goal, but their research showed it is not as far-fetched as it may seem. The second day also included a presentation from AML PhD candidate Addie Lupercio, discussing the transverse rupture strength of uranium oxide fuels. On the third day, three AML students presented their research. Scott Riley presented on high temperature irradiation resistant thermocouples, Sandeep Dhakal presented on residual stress in additively manufactured stainless steel, and Will Johanson presented his research on the ball-on-3-ball test fixture for ceramic mechanical properties. In addition, three AML students presented posters at the evening poster sessions. Jackie Stone shared about additive manufacturing of zirconium carbide, Sarah Cole shared about the synthesis of uranium fuel, and Kyle Holloway shared his research on characterizing additively manufactured stainless steel. All attendees reported that this was a great networking event, with engaged students, thoughtful questions, and interesting new ideas. Thanks to everyone who participated in this awesome event!
