Dr. Gary Was

Biography

Gary Was is the Walter J. Weber, Jr. Professor of Sustainable Energy in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan. His career focuses on advancing nuclear materials research, particularly in understanding and mitigating the corrosion processes that occur in nuclear reactors. With a pioneering approach using ion beam technologies, he has developed methods to replicate decades of radiation damage in a matter of days, significantly enhancing the research capabilities in the field of nuclear engineering. His lab, the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, has become a leading facility for investigating radiation effects on materials, contributing to the development of advanced alloys that withstand the rigors of nuclear environments. Was's work is critical in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of nuclear reactors, which are vital for providing clean energy. He holds a ScD in Nuclear Materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the field, including being named a Fellow of the Materials Research Society and receiving the Special Achievement Award from the American Nuclear Society. His efforts are deeply rooted in a commitment to education and research, making significant contributions to the next generation of engineers and scientists in nuclear energy.

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Awards