Charting a course: A Navy veteran’s journey through Purdue’s Doctor of Engineering
After Frank Pulciano left the U.S. Navy with eight years of service under his belt, he didn’t picture himself returning to nuclear engineering. As a submarine engineering laboratory technician aboard the USS Providence, he spent much of his twenties immersed in nuclear operations, chemistry and radiation control. By the time he transitioned back to civilian life, he thought it might be time for something new — Purdue University’s online Doctor of Engineering program.
“I actually wasn’t planning on going back into the nuclear world,” Pulciano recalled. “I figured I’d try data analytics, maybe computer science. But then a friend reminded me that my Navy experience was unique and valuable. That encouragement pulled me back into nuclear engineering.”
While in the Navy, Pulciano completed nuclear power school in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks to university partnerships, those credits transferred into a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology from Excelsior University. Using the GI Bill, he later added a master’s degree in data analytics from University of La Verne, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno.
At Reno, Pulciano’s graduate research focused on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling for radiological staging facilities — or, in simpler terms, virtual simulations that help predict airflow and cooling in storage sites for nuclear materials. These projects were funded by the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS), a premier facility for nuclear security that oversees everything from radiological safety to counterterrorism training. Pulciano’s work transitioned seamlessly into his current role as a nuclear packaging engineer at NNSS, where he helps design safe, efficient systems for managing sensitive materials.
“It’s rewarding to see my input matter,” Pulciano said. “When you model a facility and later see similar facilities being built, you realize you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.”
Even with many accomplishments under his belt, Pulciano knew going back to school could help him accomplish his longer-term career goals. At NNSS, many leaders and program managers hold doctorate degrees. To reach those positions, he needed to strengthen his leadership, systems thinking and project management skills. That search led him to Purdue University. Pulciano dialed in his trajectory when he learned of the newly launched online Doctor of Engineering (DEng) program. Pulciano also stated that Purdue’s ability to offer valuable connections strengthened his interest.
“Purdue’s reputation stood out immediately,” he said. “It’s one of the top engineering schools in the country. With online programs, the name and rigor of the university matter and you want people to respect the work you’ve put in.”
For Pulciano, the Doctor of Engineering program went far beyond theory. Group projects with peers from different industries mirrored real-world collaboration, while coursework in systems engineering and program management complemented his technical background. In the program, Pulciano collaborates frequently with Rusi Taleyarkhan, professor in Purdue’s School of Nuclear Engineering, whose neutron detection research tied directly to Pulciano’s work at NNSS, furthering his sense of camaraderie at Purdue. His industry advisor, William Zywiec from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is also a former Navy nuclear engineer who helps mentor him through his online program. These two played a crucial role in supporting both his graduate journey and his research projects.
“I’ve taken things I learned in class and applied them at work almost immediately,” Pulciano said. “It’s helped me approach challenges differently, especially as I prepare for leadership roles. As you move up in your career, it’s not just about doing technical work anymore. It’s about managing programs and people.”
In the future, Pulciano envisions himself leading programs that shape national security missions, drawing on both his Navy service and his Purdue education.
“I want to be in a position where I can direct research and support the mission on a national level,” he said. “That’s where the Doctor of Engineering degree fits perfectly. It bridges technical expertise with leadership.”
He also has advice for anyone hesitant about going back to school later in their career:
“Four, six or eight years are going to pass no matter what. You’ll be that age eventually,” Pulciano said “So you might as well use the time to reach your goals.”
For Pulciano, the decision to pursue his doctorate at Purdue has already begun to pay dividends. The program’s unique integration of technical expertise, systems thinking and faculty mentorship positions him not just to advance, but to lead in the evolving field of nuclear engineering and national security. By combining world-class faculty support with practical industry applications, Purdue is providing him with the tools needed to confidently step into the leadership roles he aspires toward.
To learn more about Purdue’s online Doctor of Engineering program, visit the program’s webpage.