Materials Science, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry of Actinides

Actinide materials are the backbone of the nuclear fuel cycle—either for the production of energy or nuclear weapons.  We study the mineralogy, materials science and geochemistry of actinides.  The research group focuses its effort on describing the structures of actinide-bearing materials and the relation of structure to physical and chemical properties.  We are particularly interested in understanding the behavior of actinide materials under extreme conditions—high pressures, high temperatures and in intense radiation fields.