Nuclear engineers Amanda Bachmann and Dillon Shaver earned recognition for contributions to modeling and simulation of advanced nuclear energy systems.

Argonne’s efforts in nuclear research are conducted with an integrated research approach, DOE Office of Science user facilities — including HPC systems at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility — and a focus on advancing safe, efficient nuclear energy.

“This recognition speaks to the importance of cultivating a new generation of nuclear energy experts,” said Temitope Taiwo, an Argonne Distinguished Fellow and director of the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) division. ​“Amanda and Dillon exemplify the passion and ingenuity that will keep our nation at the forefront of safe, abundant nuclear energy.”

Amanda Bachmann, a nuclear engineer, is recognized for developing software for nuclear fuel cycle modeling and analysis. Her work is funded mostly by DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration, and she has answered important questions about future U.S.-based nuclear fuel cycles. A highly visible and enthusiastic proponent of professional societies within the nuclear community, Bachmann helps support students, provides professional development opportunities to others, and increases the visibility of the nuclear profession.

“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition for my hard work,” Bachmann said. ​“I see my work as providing important technical information for future nuclear energy deployment as well as inspiring and supporting an exceptional new generation of nuclear professionals.”

Dillon Shaver, group manager in fluid dynamics in NSE and a R&D 100 award winner, is a thought leader in modeling and simulation who recently submitted a technical paper about use of a novel level-set method for incompressible two-phase flows. The work was funded in part by DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program. Shaver has worked on a number of projects supported by NEAMS over the past decade in addition to several funded by DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project program.

“This has allowed me to advocate for industry use of the advanced simulation capabilities we’re developing at Argonne and in NEAMS,” said Shaver. Those simulations will help industry better understand and quantify design issues. ​“This award is important to me because it shows that we’re having a real, valuable impact on the larger nuclear community.”

The ANS recognized Shaver, Bachmann and others on the Nuclear News 40 under 40 list at its winter meeting.

The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility provides supercomputing capabilities to the scientific and engineering community to advance fundamental discovery and understanding in a broad range of disciplines. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science, Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program, the ALCF is one of two DOE Leadership Computing Facilities in the nation dedicated to open science.