Dr. Steven Biegalski has been named program chair for the Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics Program at Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, effective fall 2017. He succeeds Dr. Farzad Rahnema, who served as program chair until July 2016, and Dr. Nolan Hertel, who is currently serving as interim program chair.
The NRE/MP program chair works to establish the future for NRE/MP programs at Georgia Tech and is responsible for the assessment of undergraduate and graduate programs, growing the programs sponsored research base, maintaining program accreditation, and is instrumental in building bridges with the College of Engineering schools as well as Interdisciplinary Research Institutes.
“I am delighted that Steve has accepted our offer as he is an outstanding scholar and has a fabulous reputation in the nuclear engineering community,” said Dr. William J. Wepfer, Eugene C. Gwaltney, Jr. Chair of the Woodruff School and Professor.
“Professor Biegalski has performed research and published in the more traditional arena of nuclear power but as his career has evolved he has expanded his horizons to include nuclear analytical methods, nuclear instrumentation, and the broader policy implications to advance approaches for nuclear non-proliferation. Not only has Dr. Biegalski excelled as a classroom instructor, he has pioneered studio type learning and engaged students through novel activities such as the Texas Atomic Film Festival. I am excited about the leadership and energy that Steve brings to our program. The future is exceedingly bright.”
Dr. Steven Biegalski earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 1996. Biegalski is currently the Director of the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory within the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Program at the University of Texas at Austin and holds the John J. McKetta Energy Professorship in Engineering. In addition, he is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Texas and Virginia, and has held several chair positions within the American Nuclear Society, as well as chair and committee member positions for Noble Gas and Radioanalytical Chemistry workshops and conferences.
Biegalski’s research focuses on nuclear analytical methods, nuclear instrumentation, nuclear reactor design, and nuclear reactor operations. Dr. Biegalski’s research includes the development and utilization of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA), neutron depth profiling (NDP), and neutron radiography. He also conducts research that supports nuclear explosion monitoring and nuclear forensics, and has experience modeling environmental pathways with a special focus on atmospheric transport modeling. In the past he has worked to develop technology in support of nuclear treaties.
“I am truly excited at the opportunity of joining the faculty at Georgia Tech. The Nuclear & Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics program is a national leader and has a long history of engineering excellence,” said Biegalski. “I am eager to work with faculty, staff, and students to strategically strengthen the program for future success.”