{"id":8528,"date":"2025-10-14T13:51:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T13:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/?p=8528"},"modified":"2025-11-11T17:44:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T17:44:46","slug":"charting-a-course-a-navy-veterans-journey-through-purdues-doctor-of-engineering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/charting-a-course-a-navy-veterans-journey-through-purdues-doctor-of-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"Charting a course: A Navy veteran\u2019s journey through Purdue\u2019s Doctor of Engineering\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After Frank Pulciano left the U.S. Navy with eight years of service under his belt, he didn\u2019t picture himself returning to nuclear engineering. As a submarine engineering laboratory technician aboard the USS<\/em> Providence<\/em>, 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 \u2014 Purdue University\u2019s online Doctor of Engineering<\/a> program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI actually wasn\u2019t planning on going back into the nuclear world,\u201d Pulciano recalled. \u201cI figured I\u2019d 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While in the Navy, Pulciano completed nuclear power school in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks to university partnerships, those credits transferred into a bachelor\u2019s degree in nuclear engineering technology from Excelsior University. Using the GI Bill, he later added a master\u2019s degree in data analytics from University of La Verne, and a master\u2019s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Reno, Pulciano\u2019s graduate research focused on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling for radiological staging facilities \u2014 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s rewarding to see my input matter,\u201d Pulciano said. \u201cWhen you model a facility and later see similar facilities being built, you realize you\u2019re contributing to something bigger than yourself.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s ability to offer valuable connections strengthened his interest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPurdue\u2019s reputation stood out immediately,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019ve put in.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve taken things I learned in class and applied them at work almost immediately,\u201d Pulciano said. \u201cIt\u2019s helped me approach challenges differently, especially as I prepare for leadership roles. As you move up in your career, it\u2019s not just about doing technical work anymore. It\u2019s about managing programs and people.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the future, Pulciano envisions himself leading programs that shape national security missions, drawing on both his Navy service and his Purdue education.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to be in a position where I can direct research and support the mission on a national level,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s where the Doctor of Engineering degree fits perfectly. It bridges technical expertise with leadership.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also has advice for anyone hesitant about going back to school later in their career: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFour, six or eight years are going to pass no matter what. You\u2019ll be that age eventually,\u201d Pulciano said \u201cSo you might as well use the time to reach your goals.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Pulciano, the decision to pursue his doctorate at Purdue has already begun to pay dividends. The program\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about Purdue\u2019s online Doctor of Engineering program, visit the program\u2019s webpage.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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