Tennessee Tech chemistry, Y-12 National Security Complex establish $1 million partnership
Radiochemistry student Skyler Kee looks for a chemical reaction during an experiment
in Tennessee Tech's Radiochemistry Lab. She will be participating this semester in
a new $1 million partnership to allow Tech students to get pre-graduation experience
at Oak Ridge National Lab.
Some graduate students in Tennessee Tech University’s Department of Chemistry will
have a new way to gain valuable pre-professional experience, thanks to a groundbreaking
partnership with the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.
In a collaboration spearheaded by Tech’s David Dan, an assistant professor who teaches
radiochemistry, Consolidated Nuclear Security, which operates Y-12 for the National
Nuclear Security Administration, has awarded the university a $1 million subcontract
agreement that initially runs through April 2030.
“This marks a significant milestone in advancing research and workforce development
in the field of radiochemistry,” said Jeff Boles, chair of Tech’s Chemistry Department.
The partnership will primarily benefit some of Tech’s chemistry graduate students,
who will gain hands-on experience working on specialized projects at Y-12, a facility
that plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, security and effectiveness of the
nation’s nuclear defense technology.
“These students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired
at Tech in a real-world setting during summer research programs, further enhancing
their career readiness,” Dan said.
Both Boles and Dan said the agreement is a testament to the university’s longstanding
reputation for producing highly skilled and dedicated chemistry graduates, many of
whom have gone on to successful careers at Y-12 and the nearby Oak Ridge National
Laboratory.
Radiochemistry professors David Dan, left, and Jonathan Moldenhauer join Kee in the lab to observe the results of her experiment.
Y-12 Site Manager Gene Sievers likewise highlighted the strategic importance of academia
in the partnership.
“We have long recognized the importance of academia as a key resource in supplying
creative and dedicated talent. This collaboration with Tennessee Tech aligns with
our mission to strengthen research and development capabilities and accelerate technology
development,” Sievers said.
Dan described the importance of the collaboration as building a robust pipeline of
specialized workers to meet the specific needs of Y-12.
“This partnership is not just about research; it’s about creating opportunities for
our students to thrive in a highly specialized and competitive field. We’re committed
to providing both the academic support and the resources needed to ensure their success,”
Dan said.
Not only does the agreement open new doors for students, but it does for faculty as
well, Boles pointed out.
“This partnership is a first for our department, and it has the potential to lead
to other exciting opportunities in the future. We’re honored that CNS recognizes the
value of Tech’s intellectual talent and research capabilities,” Boles said.
The contract includes options for extension beyond 2030, reflecting the potential
for long-term commitment of both institutions to foster innovation and contribution
to national security.
While the partnership is new to Tech, Dan’s postdoctoral fellowship at Los Alamos
National Laboratory gave him the experience he needed to help establish the university’s
collaboration with Y-12. He has been on the faculty at Tech since the fall of 2022.
As a specialized branch of nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry specifically focuses
on the chemical aspects of radioactive substances and their interactions.