Energy Center

Two Purdue University researchers are among 69 chosen nationwide by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive awards through the DOE's new Early Career Research Program. Jean Paul Allain, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering, and Denes Molnar, an assistant professor of physics, received the awards under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Allain's research funded through the grant involves harnessing nanotechnology concepts to bring about new "plasma-facing" materials for use in advanced thermonuclear fusion devices. The work is part of a global effort to develop advanced nuclear fusion power plants. The multidisciplinary research will enable new designs tolerant to radiation damage.