Announcements

Washington State University researchers, led by Malin C. Dixon Wilkins, have made a major advance in understanding thorutite (ThTi₂O₆), a compound considered for nuclear waste storage. Working alongside Natalie Yaw, Xiaofeng Guo, John S. McCloy, and Neil C. Hyatt, the team synthesized a previously hard-to-make version of thorutite—the α-polymorph—using a solid-state route, marking a first […]

At Washington State University, a team led by Nabil Ashraf Shuvo, with John M. Bussey and John S. McCloy, is revolutionizing how we think about cleaning radioactive waste. They’ve explored how iron sulfide particles—commonly found in nature and known for their magnetic qualities—can remove dangerous iodine from water. This is a big deal, especially for […]

At Washington State University, researchers Malin C. Dixon Wilkins and John S. McCloy are reimagining nuclear waste storage by combining two powerful materials—silicon carbide and stainless steel. The goal? Develop a composite, or “cermet,” capable of safely containing tricky waste from next-generation TRISO nuclear fuels. Their experiments involved hot-pressing different mixes of SiC and 316L […]

Egyptian blue isn’t just a pretty pigment—it’s science, history, and art all rolled into one. Washington State University’s John S. McCloy led a team to recreate this ancient pigment and figure out how ancient artisans achieved those iconic shades. With a mix of natural minerals, intense heat, and modern tools, they reverse-engineered 5,000-year-old color technology. […]

At Washington State University, John Bussey and his collaborators tackled a big challenge in nuclear cleanup: how to safely trap uranium and thorium in glass. Working within the Hanford Site’s high-level waste plan, they tested glass recipes that mimic real nuclear waste, melting them at high temperatures to see what uranium and thorium would do. […]

Congratulations to the following students for new awards! John Bussey, DOE-NE University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) Scholarship, 2024-5 John Bussey, DOE-NE Innovations in Nuclear Energy Research and Development Student Competition (INSC), 2024 Josie Soles, outstanding Sophomore MSE student Audra Totten, outstanding Junior MSE student Raine Antonio, outstanding Senior MSE student

It’s sad how long it’s been since I last posted here.  Blame it on the MME Director job.  Anyway.. Congrats to Audra, Nathan, John, and Raine for their excellent posters at the 2024 WSU Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA).

Welcome to Dr. Malin Chris Dixon Wilkins as a new Post-doc. Chris comes most recently from University of Sheffield, UK. Also welcome to Aya Azeddioui, master’s intern from the University of Montpellier, France.  

Congratulations to Audra Tollen and Halen Walker, outstanding MSE students. Also John Bussey whose winning SURCA poster was shown at the WSU Engineering College Convocation.

Congratulations to the students that showed posters at our 2023 Showcase for Undergraduate research. MSE Students Brooke Downing, Raine Antonio, and John Bussey representing our group with excellent posters. John was honored with the Crimson Award at the showcase. Congratulations all!