NC State Nuclear Engineering

After dedication and steady leadership as interim department head, Steven Shannon will now take on the position permanently. Help us welcome and congratulate him!

“This department is an amazing place with amazing people. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead it into transformative times for our field. As we enter a period of accelerated technical advancement and commercial deployment in fission, fusion, security and industrial applications of nuclear science, the department’s core mission of mentoring our future workforce and advancing critical science and engineering breakthroughs has never been more essential.” — Steven Shannon

"Maria Herrera Quesada: Finding Home"
Featured: Maria Herrera Quesada, Spring 2026
Department of Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. graduate

"I came to NC State through the Fulbright program, which helps match students with strong graduate programs in their chosen fields. NC State stood out right away because of its nuclear engineering program, which is consistently ranked among the top in the country.

Being in the Research Triangle was also a big factor. Having NC State, Duke and UNC so close to each other creates an environment where research, collaboration, industry and different academic perspectives are constantly interacting. It meant access to a wider range of courses, people and ideas than I would have had in a more isolated setting, and that was very appealing to me."

Maria Herrera Quesada: Finding Home Featured: Maria Herrera Quesada, Spring 2026 Department of Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. graduate.

Hot off the press! NC State Nuclear Engineering to lead $18 million nuclear safety and workforce development program! Congratulations to the CReST team led by Prof. Jacob Eapen!!!

Office of Nuclear Energy Awards $49M to Enhance Nuclear Safety Training and Workforce Development University-led projects will grow training and certification opportunities for future nuclear energy workforce.

Dear NC State Nuclear Engineering Friends,

Today is NC State's annual day of giving campaign. Supporting the things that have meaning in our lives is a year-round thing, but once a year the university sets aside a day to emphasize the importance of giving back.

From your lifelong friendships, favorite instructor, the a-ha moment at 3am in the 2nd floor Burlington library with your classmates, post exam pints at Mitch's, or just the lifelong bragging rights of having made it through one of the best programs in the world, please consider taking part in 2026's Day of Giving.

Donations to the Nuclear Engineering Enhancement Endowment allow us to support a wide variety of department activities including department seminar events, nuclear engineering outreach, and student travel to national and international conferences.

Please repost, share, or donate. It all makes a difference.

Thank you for all of your support, and GO WOLFPACK!

Steven Shannon
Interim Department Head, NCSU Nuclear Engineering

NC State Day of Giving Join me and give back!

Fun fact: St. Patrick is the patron saint of engineering. To commemorate this, here is an actual photo of him driving the snakes out of Diablo Canyon Reactor #2 on March 17, 1984.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!