Raphaela Ekwujuru selected for nuclear research program

Raphaela Ekwujuru, an undergraduate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected as a summer cohort member of the Research Experience for Undergraduates through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP).

Her project, “Advancing Fundamental Molten Salt Modeling using Ultrafast Spectroscopy,” involves working with Research Assistant Professor Amanda Leong at the Nuclear Materials and Fuel Cycle Center. As part of that research, she is conducting physical property measurements, including molten salt density measurements, to support and validate molten salt modeling efforts associated with ultrafast spectroscopy.

Density is a critical thermophysical property for molten salts because it affects fluid behavior, heat transfer, mass transport, and the accuracy of computational models used to predict molten salt performance. Her work provides important experimental data for improving our understanding of molten salt behavior and supporting the broader development of molten salt systems for nuclear energy applications.

She will present the research outcomes from this experience at the end-of-program symposium, highlighting her contributions to molten salt research and nuclear energy technology development.

"I'm really excited for this opportunity," Ekwujuru said. "It allows me to contribute to research in a field I'm passionate about while continuing to grow as an engineer."