Dr. Jon Schwantes

Biography

Jon Schwantes is a Professor and Acting Department Head in the Ken Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University. His research focuses on topics such as the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials, and nuclear science applications, especially in the context of nuclear security and safety. Since joining the faculty in 2022, he has made significant contributions to the field through his work at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he was a Senior Research Scientist. He has a notable record of publishing with 122 publications, including 79 peer-reviewed articles, and played a pivotal role in the confirmatory team that discovered element 111, subsequently named Roentgenium. He currently co-chairs the Exercise Task Group for the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group and contributes as a Lead Subject Matter Expert for the International Atomic Energy Agency's training courses on nuclear forensic methodologies. His past efforts include critical investigations during contamination events and significant research into radioactive contamination. Schwantes has received various accolades, including the Department of Energy’s Secretary’s Achievement Award in 2015 for his work in addressing contamination events.

Research Interests