OPENING PLENARY SESSION AWARDS

Seaborg Medal


Dr. Jess C. Gehin
Idaho National Laboratory

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to nuclear science and technology through his technical accomplishments and leadership in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycle, modeling and simulation, and reactor technology, leading to the first deployment of a new reactor at Idaho National Laboratory in 50 years.


Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal


Amb. Laura S. H. Holgate
Former US Ambassador to United Nations Organizations in Vienna, Austria

In recognition of her years of dedication to our nation in nuclear security and for outstanding service to the greater worldwide nuclear community.


ANS Fellows


Dr. Kenneth Michael Goff
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition for exceptional contributions to the effective and reliable use of nuclear energy in the U.S. and around the world, in particular through stellar senior leadership of DOE, outstanding technical and policy advice at DOE and OSTP and significant technology development at INL/ANL.


Dr. W. David Pointer
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

For distinguished contributions to nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics and safety through high-fidelity simulation, development of advanced modeling tools, and leadership in national R&D programs, as well as impactful service advancing innovative reactor technologies and international collaboration within the nuclear engineering community.


Dr. Pedro Vaz
Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST), University of Lisbon

Outstanding efforts in the areas of nuclear health, safety, safeguards, or regulation.

In recognition of his outstanding international leadership in radiation protection and shielding, pioneering contributions to Monte Carlo simulation methods, and decades of impactful service to the global nuclear community through research, education, and collaboration with international organizations and the American Nuclear Society.


Dr. Minami Yoda
Michigan State University

Notable original research or invention in the nuclear field.

In recognition of fundamental contributions to the thermal-fluids aspects of fusion technology including liquid protection and gas cooling of reactor first walls in inertial and magnetic fusion energy. She has co-authored more than 55 directly-related journal publications, advised numerous graduate students, and participated in national and international design studies.


Presidential Citations


William A. Horin
(Posthumously)

In recognition of his expertise, counsel, and commitment to the safe and effective governance of nuclear energy.


Dr. Edward D. Blandford
Kairos Power LLC

In recognition of pioneering leadership in advanced reactor technology and transformative contributions to nuclear safety and innovation and for helping to build one of the first Gen IV nuclear reactors in the United States.


Dr. Steven J. Zinkle
University of Tennessee Knoxville

In recognition of his groundbreaking research in nuclear materials science and leadership in advancing materials for extreme environments and his years of teaching and mentoring nuclear engineering students.


Dr. Kurt A. Terrani
Standard Nuclear

For dedication and leadership in combining computational modeling and experimental techniques to advance nuclear fuel safety and performance, and for building one of the first TRISO fuel fabrication prototype facilities in the United States.


Prof. Imre Pázsit
Chalmers University of Technology

For lifetime contributions to nuclear reactor physics, reactor diagnostics, international collaboration, and education of generations of nuclear engineers and scientists.


Jennifer T. Gordon
Atlantic Council Global Energy Center

For outstanding leadership in aligning international nuclear energy policy with broader geopolitical and environmental goals and public discourse.


Aleshia Duncan
U.S. Department of Energy

For exceptional leadership and tireless efforts and dedication to shaping the international nuclear policy and cooperation regimes.


Tim Gitzel
Cameco Corporation

For strategic leadership, global influence, deep industry expertise, and outstanding contributions to global nuclear fuel development and production industry.


Dr. Krishna P. Singh
Holtec

For entrepreneurial leadership, technological innovation, commitment to sustainable energy and social progress and resurrecting a shut-down nuclear power plant in the United States.


Dr. Stephen K. Streiffer
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

For deep commitment to advancing material science, enabling large-scale scientific infrastructure, and advancing national laboratory science and nuclear innovation.


Mary Jane Oestmann Professional Women’s Achievement Award


Dr. Michelle (Shelby) Bensi
University of Maryland

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of probabilistic assessment of natural hazards at nuclear plant sites.


Dr. Askin Guler Yigitoglu
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In recognition of exceptional technical innovation and contributions to probabilistic risk assessment methodologies for advanced reactors and sustained leadership in nuclear safety and reliability.


Untermyer & Cisler Reactor Technology Medal


Dr. John H. Jackson
Idaho National Laboratory

In recognition of his leadership with the Nuclear Science Users Facility and the Gateway for Advanced Innovation in Nuclear at Idaho National Laboratory.


Alvin M. Weinberg Medal


Dr. John C. Wagner
Idaho National Laboratory

In recognition of his nearly three decades of leadership in nuclear science and technology, with significant contributions to the Department of Energy’s national laboratories, groundbreaking research at Idaho National Laboratory, and influential roles in international nuclear energy policy and advanced nuclear technology advocacy.


Landis Public Communication & Education Award


Julie G. Ezold
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In recognition of her demonstrated passion and commitment to advancing understanding and interest in nuclear science and technology. Her outreach efforts over the past year further exemplify the breadth of her outreach efforts, spanning from very young students to college graduates and the public.



Dr. Robert B. Hayes
North Carolina State University

In recognition of his sustained and impactful efforts to improve public understanding of nuclear science and technology through social media engagement and accessible writing, making complex topics relatable and fostering informed dialogue on radiation safety, nuclear energy, and national security.


Social Responsibility in the Nuclear Community Award


Alyssa Hayes
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

In recognition of her nation-wide initiatives to boost representation within STEM and nuclear fields and to strengthen nuclear outreach to underrepresented communities. Her leadership highlights include the CRANE Foundation, Uncharted Waters programming series, and the 2023 ANS Student Conference.


Young Members Advancement Award


Dr. Ishita Trivedi
Idaho National Laboratory

In recognition of her visionary leadership that redefined how we support and empower young professionals in the nuclear industry. Her initiatives have built lasting pathways for mentorship, visibility, and inclusion—impacting not just today’s young members, but generations to come.


Young Member Excellence Award


Julianne McCallum
Nuclear Energy Institute

In recognition of her outstanding dedication and significant contributions to fostering the development and engagement of young professionals in the nuclear community. As an active ANS member, she exemplifies the qualities underscored by the Young Member Excellence Award.


Standards Service Award


James S. Baker
Spectra Tech, Inc.

In recognition of your excellent leadership, mentorship, and service to the criticality safety standards community, thereby educating and empowering the next generation of criticality safety engineers.

Committee Awards

Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship


Alyssa Hayes
University of Tennessee, Knoxville


Lt. Benjamin Kasper
U.S. Navy



Local Section Meritorious Awards (ETWDD & LSC)


The Local Section Meritorious Award is presented to the ANS local sections that have conducted the most worthwhile events; have shown outstanding membership growth, participation, and administration during the award year. This year’s recipients are:


Trinity Local Section
Best Meetings and Programs

Pittsburgh Local Section
Best Public Information & Education

Idaho Local Section
Best Section Management & Best Membership

Savannah River Local Section
Best Overall


Samuel Glasstone Awards (ETWDD & SSC)


The Samuel Glasstone Award recognizes outstanding ANS Student Sections. This year’s recipients are:


University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Student Section
Best Section

University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez Student Section
Second Place

Missouri University of Science and Technology Student Section
Honorable Mention

University of New Mexico Student Section
Honorable Mention


Awards Not Presented

Nuclear Historic Landmark Award


Hot Fuel Examination Facility
Idaho National Laboratory

For over 50 years, the Hot Fuel Examination Facility has supported remote examination of irradiation experiments from EBR-II, TREAT, FFTF, and ATR, providing fuels and materials performance data used in fuel and components research, development, and qualification.


Neely Nuclear Research Center
Georgia Institute of Technology

The Neely Nuclear Research Center at Georgia Institute of Technology advanced nuclear science through its pioneering reactor design, biomedical applications, and training of generations of engineers. As a unique academic complex integrating reactor, radiochemistry, and irradiation capabilities, it played a transformative role in peaceful nuclear research.


Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant K-25 (East Tennessee Technology Park)
United Cleanup Oak Ridge LLC (UCOR)

The former Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant (K-25) - now the East Tennessee Technology Park - is a once-contaminated government site which played a key role in development of the first atomic bomb. It is now a clean, vibrant hub of innovation that is leading today’s renaissance of nuclear energy.



Tuesday Plenary AWARDS

Milton Levenson Distinguished Service Award


Kenneth J. Rueter
United Cleanup Oak Ridge, LLC (UCOR)

In recognition of his leadership at UCOR and the Department of Energy creating a new and durable legacy, providing clean land for cutting edge missions, nuclear deterrence modernization, and continued economic growth for the State of Tennessee. Environmental cleanup has positioned Oak Ridge as the epicenter of America’s nuclear renaissance.


Darlene Schmidt Science News Award


Sonal Patel
Access Intelligence

In recognition of her delivering technically rigorous and accessible reporting on nuclear energy. Her recent work covers advanced reactors, microreactors, spent fuel recycling, and nuclear power in space. Grounded in expert interviews and regulatory analysis, her writing connects complex science to broader societal impacts. Patel’s clarity and depth make her a vital voice in the nuclear renaissance and an exemplary candidate for the Darlene Schmidt Science News Award.

Division Awards

Mark Mills Award (ETWDD)


Emily Proehl
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

For her work entitled: The effect of stress on Laves phase precipitation in creep ruptured Grade 92 ferritic martensitic steel determined by an accessible volume fraction and number density quantification method.



Robert L. Long Training Excellence Award (ETWDD)


Risk Assessment Training Program (RATP)Team w/Mike Calley
Idaho National Laboratory

The INL Risk Assessment Training Program team, led by Mike Calley, is recognized for its exceptional expertise and dedication. Their contributions have significantly enhanced the safety standards of the U.S. nuclear fleet and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, making them deserving candidates for the Robert L. Long Training Excellence Award.



FCWMD Significant Contribution Award


Dr. Kaushik Banerjee
Idaho National Laboratory

For developing STANDARDS and automating the GC-859 process to enhance research, regulatory analysis, and improve efficiency in spent fuel management and his continued leadership. Presented at the International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management (IHLRWM) Conference.


FCWMD Distinguished Service Award


Dr. Christina Leggett
Oklo Inc.

In recognition for her outstanding participation in the leadership of the division and the Society. Presented at the International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management (IHLRWM) Conference.


FCWMD Lifetime Achievement Award


Mr. Andrew R. Griffith
U.S. Department of Energy

In recognition of his lifetime leadership in the development and promotion of fuel cycle technologies and nuclear waste management missions in the United States of America. Presented at the International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management (IHLRWM) Conference.


Radiation Science & Technology Award (IRD)


Dr. Richard H. Howard
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

For leadership in innovative design, analysis, and continuous improvement of test reactor capabilities for isotope production, enabling critical industrial and national applications in space exploration, medical treatments, and beyond.


NCSD Outstanding Contributions Award


Benjamin Martin
GE Vernova

For his committed and impactful contributions to the NCSD and exceptional leadership demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence.


NCSD Technical Excellence Award


Jennifer L. Alwin
Los Alamos National Laboratory

For her outstanding contributions to operational criticality safety at LANL, advancing the state-of-the-art of sensitivity uncertainty analyses, and support of the DOE CSSG.


Theos J. “Tommy” Thompson Award For Reactor Safety (NISD)


Carl Richard (Rick) Grantom
C.R. Grantom P.E. & Assoc. LLC (CRG LLC)

For his outstanding contributions and leadership in implementing risk-informed application of PRA in technical specification, graded QA, inservice inspection and testing, and comprehensive risk management of operating nuclear power plants. Presented at Highlights of PSA 2025 session on Wednesday Nov. 12th.


Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Division Service Award (NNPD)


Thomas E. Hanlon
Y-12 National Security Complex

In recognition of exemplary commitment, inclusive leadership, and tireless service in advancing the mission of the ANS Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Division and enhancing the strength of the nuclear security community at large.


Technical Achievement Award (THD)


Dr. Stephen M. Bajorek
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

For his outstanding technical contributions in advancing the field of nuclear reactor thermal hydraulics and safety, particularly in enhancing the US NRC’s licensing code capabilities for LWRs, and for his vision of the NRC licensing strategy for advanced nuclear reactors.


Student Design Competition (ETWDD)


Teams will present their work on Monday, November 10, 2025. The following are the finalists in the undergraduate category (in no particular order):


Design and Assessment of a Digital Twin for Real-Time Monitoring and Anomaly Detection in a Three-Loop Heated Flow System
University Tennessee, Knoxville

Authors: James William Carnal, Aaron Bradley Clark, Braden Layne Copley, and Jacob Peterson


Design and Application of Machine Learning System for Predictive Emergency Response
Purdue University

Authors: Qi Heng Law, Vishwas Raja Mukundan Krishnaswamy,Halen Munday, John Edward Jackson, and Todd R. Smith

Last modified October 20, 2025, 11:38am EDT