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‘A source of pride and motivation’: 50 years of the PULSTAR Reactor

Department of Nuclear Engineering

Seated at several long tables, attendees of the The Hunt Library-hosted DENT 2023 conference on Sept. 20, listen to a speaker presentation.

Oct 19, 2023

The Libraries hosts Digital Engineering in Nuclear Technology conference

Nuclear reactor stakeholders gathered for an interdisciplinary discussion in September at the Hunt Library. 
From left: Amanda Lietz,, Florian Laggner and Steve Shannon pose for group photo outside with green-leaved trees in background.

Oct 4, 2023

DOE grant brings renewed energy to NC State COE in more ways than one

An NC State team was awarded a $2.1 million Department Of Energy grant, which comes at an exciting time for fusion research. Several experimental facilities around the world have set new operations records recently, and the fusion effort has also benefited from an infusion of early-stage venture funding from the private sector. 
Fitts-Woolard Engineering building on Centennial Campus with tree branches in the edges of foreground.

Jul 13, 2023

Gilligan to step down from executive associate dean role

John Gilligan will step down from his role as executive associate dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University on Sept. 1, 2023, and return to the nuclear engineering faculty. 
A view inside of the NC State PULSTAR nuclear reactor. Rods are in blue with the surrounding parts in green.

Jul 7, 2023

Richland to Raleigh: A model for university and national lab partnerships

North Carolina State University’s collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provides unique research experiences for students and a talented workforce pipeline for the lab.  When… 
An overhead view looking down into the PULSTAR nuclear reactor lit in bluish light.

Jun 19, 2023

NC State nuclear engineering ranked one of the best in the nation

The US News & World Report 2023 Best Nuclear Engineering Rankings places NC State Nuclear Engineering graduate program in the top 3. 
Alex Burkart, right, receiving award from presenter.

Jun 6, 2023

Alumnus honored for work in nuclear energy and foreign policy

As a Ph.D. student nearing graduation in 1975, Alex R. Burkart hadn’t anticipated that his nuclear engineering degree would lead to a career in foreign policy. 
Artist rendering of a Columbia-class submarine underwater. Vessel is dark gray surrounded by a varying shade of blue to mimic water.

Jun 6, 2023

Two NC State alumni head up Columbia-class submarine program

Designed to operate undetectably at secret depths within the ocean, fueled by a nuclear reactor and armed with 16 missiles, the next generation of nuclear ballistic missile submarines is among the most critical components in the United States’ defense strategy. 
Lisa Marshall sitting on a blue couch in the Burlington Engineering Laboratory lobby.

Jun 6, 2023

Marshall honored for service, teaching and research excellence

Marshall grew up in Trinidad, the larger island of Trinidad and Tobago. Her family valued education and the pathways to success it could open. She took that value with her, and her desire to help generations of students realize their potential and reach their goals has fueled her purpose at NC State. 
The R1 reactor cell under construction in 1952.

Jun 6, 2023

‘A source of pride and motivation’: 50 years of the PULSTAR Reactor

Four nuclear reactors have been built and operated on NC State University’s campus, but none have been able to stand the test of time — except for the PULSTAR Reactor. This academic year, it celebrates 50 years of serving NC State’s missions of education, research and outreach.