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2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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Thompson Igunma’s UF-INL research is creating unique models for molten salt reactors
Igunma
American Nuclear Society member Thompson Odion Igunma is a doctoral candidate in materials science and engineering at the University of Florida (UF) conducting research in collaboration with the Computational Mechanics and Materials Group at Idaho National Laboratory. His work focuses on advanced modeling of the complex interplay between molten salt corrosion, irradiation, and changes in alloy microstructure.
“I see molten salt reactors as a pivotal part of the next generation of nuclear energy,” Igunma said. “Their unique combination of safety, efficiency, and fuel flexibility makes them ideally suited to complement renewables in a low-carbon energy mix.”
VIEW RECIPIENTSSUBMIT NOMINATION
Nomination Deadline
August 1
Presented at the
Winter Conference
The Young Member Excellence Award recognizes a young member who has demonstrated overall excellence in a variety of areas.
It is presented to a member of the Young Members Group who is involved with ANS on a national level, actively advances the goals of the ANS Young Members Group, displays outstanding non- technical skills as well as technical or managerial ability, is recognized by others in their field, demonstrates high quality and safety standards, and positively represents nuclear science and technology to the general population.
Emphasis is placed on well-rounded qualifications. Candidates with demonstrated excellence in many of the areas outlined above are preferred to candidates with outstanding qualifications in only one or two areas, who may be eligible for a different ANS award that specifically recognizes those achievements. (Note specifically that this award is different from the Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award, which is given to an individual who has made significant technical contributions.)
Emphasis is also placed on continuing excellence. Candidates with a demonstrated history of these qualities over several years are preferred to those with one or two discrete achievements, although these achievements will certainly be considered.
The nominee must be an ANS member and a member of the Young Members Group at the time of nomination. The nominee must further be either under the age of 36 or within five years of graduation at the time of nomination (i.e., meeting the ANS definition of “young member”).
The award consists of an engraved plaque and is presented at the ANS Winter Conference.
Nominations must include the completed nomination form accompanied by the following supporting documents:
For more information, please visit the Young Members Group website.
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