Morgan State University Receives $5 Million National Nuclear Security Administration Grant to Launch Nuclear Engineering Program

Funding will Support the “SPINE” project, Promoting Innovative Nuclear Research and Opportunities for Underrepresented Minorities in the Nuclear Security Workforce

Baltimore ­­— Morgan State University (MSU) has received a $5 million grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to establish a comprehensive nuclear engineering program focused on developing skilled minority representative professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the rapidly evolving Nuclear Security Enterprise workforce. Over the next five years, the Scholarly Partnership in Nuclear Engineering (SPINE) project initiative will seek to significantly increase the number of graduates and postdoctoral students in the nuclear engineering field, prioritize innovative curricula, and cultivate partnerships between universities and industry leaders. Furthermore, SPINE will facilitate research opportunities and mentorship programs, ensuring students receive thorough training and guidance as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.

“I am proud that Morgan has been selected as a partner institution to launch this program, which aims to develop the next generation of scientists,” said Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., dean of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering. “This new initiative not only enhances their educational experience but also opens up a myriad of possibilities for their future careers, allowing them to explore paths they may not have had the opportunity to consider otherwise.”

Nuclear engineers focus on researching and developing projects related to the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and the disposal of nuclear waste. This profession offers a diverse range of job opportunities. In the defense industry, for example, engineers may work on designing or assessing nuclear-powered naval vessels and ensuring the readiness of nuclear weapons. Other roles may involve performing dose and shielding calculations to produce medical isotopes, which healthcare professionals use to diagnose and treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Additional career opportunities may include researching and regulating nuclear power, designing nuclear batteries for space exploration or satellites, and overseeing the design and operation of nuclear power plants.

In the United States, minority representation among nuclear engineers is significantly low. Demographic data indicates that the largest racial group in this field is white, comprising about 73% of the workforce. The next largest groups are Black or African American individuals at 7%, with those identified as other accounting for 5%. This distribution highlights a notable lack of diversity within the profession and underscores the need to develop a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of the nuclear engineering sector.

The SPINE program aims to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in nuclear science, contributing to a more equitable and robust scientific community. By offering hands-on training, research opportunities, and collaborative projects with industry leaders, the program prepares students to address nuclear security challenges while promoting national safety and innovation. Additionally, the program will support outreach and engagement with K-12 schools and community colleges to increase participation among underrepresented minority men and women.

“Morgan State University is recognized for its significant contributions to pioneering research that fosters the development of innovative and advanced technologies utilized globally,” stated Stephen Egarievwe, Ph.D., associate dean for Research at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering and principal investigator for the project. “Our students are eager to enhance their research capabilities, thereby furthering the ongoing scientific inquiry within our nation and making meaningful advancements in improving the quality of life for others.”

The funding will also support innovative research focused on developing high-performance, low-cost, lead-free perovskite-based nuclear sensors that detect nuclear radiation. Traditional perovskite-based sensors often use lead, which has environmental and health risks; however, newer designs focus on lead-free compositions to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and maintain sensitivity to radiation. Morgan will also establish a new laboratory for training and research and promote collaborations with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This initiative aims to advance state-of-the-art research in nuclear sensors and advanced manufacturing at national laboratories and facilities.

Navajo Technical University (NTU), the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) are among the participating universities and DOE national laboratories in this initiative.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Media Contacts:

Cheryl Stewart or Larry Jones, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022